Ten Things About Writing: Build Your Story, One Word at a Time

By Joanne Harris

An indispensable guide to the craft of writing and business of publishing from one of our bestselling and most versatile authors.

One-time teacher and bestselling novelist Joanne Harris has been advising and corresponding with aspirational writers for over six years. This collection of pithy and funny lists of advice provides both hard-won wisdom and insider industry help. All aspects of the writing process and story development are covered – as is the thorny issue of how and where to find readers. From Workspaces and Habits to Plot and Dialogue, these are motivating, problem-solving lists from an experienced and widely respected writer.

Uniquely, Ten Things About Writing also takes the reader beyond the stage of finished manuscripts and editorial changes – into the territories of rights, publicity and marketing. Whether you havethe urge to write crime fiction or a fantasy novel, literary short stories or blockbuster thrillers Joanne's lists will speak to you.

'Joanne is not only master of her craft but has the rare gift of being able to explain that craft and offer peerless advice in the clearest, no-nonsense, practical and entertainingof ways.' Matt Haig

'[Joanne Harris's] pithy, often very funny advice demystifies writing and the publishing industry for new and aspiring writers.' Cressida Cowell

• Language: English
• Publisher: September Publishing
• Release date: May 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781912836611

Joanne Harris

Joanne Harris is the author of seven previous novels—Chocolat, Blackberry Wine, Five Quarters of the Orange, Coastliners, Holy Fools, Sleep, Pale Sister, and Gentlemen & Players; a short story collection, Jigs & Reels; and two cookbook/memoirs, My French Kitchen and The French Market. Half French and half British, she lives in England.

Reviews for Ten Things About Writing

[ericlee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Joanne Harris knows a thing or two about writing, having published some 20 novels and several other books as well. This short book came out at the height of the Covid-19 crisis and just in time for budding writers out there who might be using lockdown and quarantine as a time to consider a career as an author. Her advice is clear and simple, and is based on a series of tweets she’s been putting out there for some time. I agree with much of what she has to say and completely endorse one bit of advice that comes up several times: if you’re a writer and you live in the UK, join the Society of Authors — your trade union. Harris speaks with some authority: she’s been the Chair of the Society’s Management Committee since early this year.