In The Company of Writers

 Yesterday I sat down at my dining room table in the company of  the  brilliant Peter Mortimer – writer and founder of Iron Press  and the lovely Kitty Fitzgerald of Pigtopia fame. (If you haven’t read it you should – it’s an enchanting if tragic story) I have to say that it was great fun. There is nothing better than talking with like minded writers, who share similar problems but get on with the job of writing and publishing regardless.

Peter and Kitty came to my house for a particular reason; to deliver a delicious box of  books – hot off the press and in time for a launch next week. The book in question, Knives, (see link above for Iron Press) is a collection of short stories written by my dear friend Wendy Robertson. The dark stories in this collection explore ‘how we are formed and transformed by the accident of meeting others.’ I’m looking forward to reading the collection this weekend and to Wendy’s launch next Wednesday at Bishop Auckland Town Hall 7.30pm

Perhaps the only thing better than talking with other writers over coffee at the table,  is talking over a glass of wine in the pub. On Thursday I did just that, this time in Pink Lane in Newcastle at the Mslexia inspired gathering for writers and artists. I enjoyed this immensely, especially meeting Helen and Clare for the first time, and hope there will be more.

NOW – we still have two more of the six biggest mistakes to cover so here it is – Mistake Number Five, concerning backstory –  too much of, and/or in the wrong place.

The way you deal with backstory needs careful consideration. Don’t make the mistake of dumping the character’s backstory on the reader all at once, especially not at the beginning when the reader needs to get to know the character in the here and now.

Too much backstory too soon will slow things down and may well bore your reader. Reveal the backstory slowly, in pieces, as necessary. There is a balance to be found between, revealing your character’s backstory so that the reader is interested and engaged, and keeping things moving. Remember backstory is backward looking – it stops the story dead. (A lesson I learned in novel number two!)

It is best to begin with just enough information to hook your reader and get them wondering. Once you have done this then gradually reveal more of the backstory.  This way you  keep your reader turning the pages and you weave mystery and complexity into your novel.

One way you might consider revealing backstory is through dialogue and this is good for keeping things moving but it can be contrived – so be careful. Overly explicit dialogue is a real problem that the reader will pick up on straight away!

Writing Tip – as well as a buddy to write with you need to be in the COMPANY OF WRITERS. They are the only people with the same concerns, passions, difficulties, disappointments and successes as you. Try;  Mslexia, New Writing North, local writing groups (your Library should have details), workshops, internet etc  all of which should provide you with ideas and opportunities for meeting other writers.