I’m often asked, which is the best way to write, by hand or using a computer? The answer to me is like many things in writing, personal choice.

I, for example, prefer to write straight on to the computer, partially because I can type as fast as I think (which is not particularly fast, but faster than I write by hand) and partially because I usually want to do something with my writing that will require it to be in digital form.

Add this to the fact that I was trained as a Secretary and that, because of health reasons, can’t always hold a pen or write clearly and I guess the logic behind my preference is clear.

That said, if I’m writing something creative – like poetic prose or verse – then I prefer to write by hand. The process of physically writing seems to be an integral part of the creation.

But that is just me, I know some published writers who would disagree vehemently with me insisting their first drafts have to be hand written and in pencil.

Certainly the advent of the laptop computer has increased the amount of keyboard writers and made writing easier for many. But there is still a lot to be said for old-fashioned methods.

So, like I say, when it comes to your writing process the choice is simple – don’t be swayed by others, do what works best for you.

Tags: Elizabeth Bezant, how to write, keyboard or pencil, writers, writing, writing advice, writing tip

I broke one of my rules last month – when you’re sending out work to an editor/publisher always always have a second editor/publisher selected to send your work to, no matter how well-targeted your first is.

We all know that when we submit our work for publication there is a high chance of it being sent back to us. We also know that most publishers/publications take around 3 months to let us know if they are interested in our submission. As a writer, both of these (in most cases) are a given.

For this reason I usually spend the 3 month wait hunting out a new publisher to submit my work to, that way if I get a rejection I can re-submit my work immediately and avoid wasting time swearing and researching.

However, when I sent out my mid-grade novel many months back, I missed this vital step in my usual process. As a consequence, since its return a month ago, my manuscript has be slowing disappearing under a wash of papers on my desk. Now, though, I am delighted to say that it is once again on a desk somewhere, eagerly waiting for to be selected and contracted.

Just wanted to share that with you.

Tags: Elizabeth Bezant, find a publisher, manuscripts, submitting, writing advice

If you are in Perth and looking for something writing related to do over the next nine days, you are going to love this.

The Bodhi Tree Bookcafe (cnr Scarborough Beach Rd and Oxford St, Mt Hawthorn) is having a Celebration of  Writing. That means that for the next 9 nine days there is an almost endless supply of talks by authors, poets, rappers, calligraphers, screenwriters and who knows who else.

I know I may be slightly biased as an employee of The Bodhi Tree and one of the speakers at the event, but I would recommend that you at least look at the planned program. That way you can make your own choice.

All sessions are free, so you simply have to turn up to be involved. But I would suggest you turn up early and order yourself a coffee because things could get busy.

On the note of coffee – it’s organic and comes highly recommended. What’s more they have Swiss water decaffeinated coffee too, which is decaffeinated without the use of chemicals, so still tastes like coffee and won’t do you any harm. Definitely worth a try.

Anyway, check out the Celebration of Writing program and I hope to see you there.

Tags: Bodhi Tree, Celebration of Writing, writers, writing advice, writing tip, writing workshops

I bought myself a toy on Saturday (after an annoying amount of research) – a netbook. For those who aren’t familiar with these, they are a small, laptop style computer, ideal for writing, emailing and blog entries, which is of course the reason I bought mine. They can not however be compared with a standard desktop or laptop computer because their memory and processing power is way tooooooo limited. But for what I wanted (to write, blog and email when I am out of the house) they are perfect.

I even tried it out on Sunday using the free wifi access in the local McCafe, and it worked wonderfully.

For anyone who has been considering one, I thought I might offer some of the results of my time-draining research. (I feel I should add here something like the ads do, something like, please read the pdf carefully to see if this product suits your personal needs.)

When it came to selecting which netbook I chose I, as you might have guessed, had several priorities:

1. As long a battery life as possible. There is nothing like finding the most idyllic and tranquil spot, being inspired to write then the computer going dead (I know I could write by hand, but I’m not so good at that.) Most netbooks come with a 3 cell battery, which in all honesty I am told lasts around 2 – 3 hours depending on how you are using your machine. A 6 cell battery is said to run for around 11 hours, but that is when you aren’t actually using the netbook to do anything apparently. If you are actually using the keyboard the estimation is around 4 – 5 hours. (I will update you on this when I use it non-stop on battery.)
2. Lightweight and small enough to fit in a handbag. Netbooks come in 10.1’ and 12’ width, and most weigh around 1.5kilos. I wanted the 10.1’, also don’t assume that the weight of the computer you would lift up off the shelf in the shop is the actual weight. Most netbooks on display are plugged into the mains without their battery attached – a battery would seem to add another 50% to the weight of the machine.
3. A keyboard that was easy to type on. Most of the keyboards are around 95% of a tradition qwerty keyboard, but don’t include the extra number keys and arrows normally found on the right of such a keyboard. I have ‘ladylike’ fingers so I am told, so the smaller keys actually make typing easier. But it was also important to try typing in the shop to listen to the sound of the keys and the pressure needed to use them.
4. The other bits I wanted were seemingly standard: webcam, wifi, half-decent speakers.

It was the need for a 6 cell battery that really limited my choice, that and not wanting to pay a fortune for a different colour casing. In the end I was left with the Asus or the Dell, I picked the former, primarily because it was a decent price and the Dell wasn’t in stock.

So far (2 days on) I am still excited about my purchase, and have found nothing to moan about that I didn’t expect – like the speed, or lack of. I was particularly delighted at the noise it makes, or, once again, lack of it. If it wasn’t for the pretty, shiny lights I probably wouldn’t know it was on half the time.

Anyway, I will let you know how I go.

Tags: Asus 1005P, choosing your netbook, Elizabeth Bezant, netbook, review, writers, writers hobbies, writing, writing advice

Although there are many places to start when you first decide you want to write fiction, this is one way that I regularly recommend.

At a regular time of day, sit down with a ‘first line writing prompt’ and just write for ten minutes.

For me the length of time is significant because most of us struggle to find extra time in our day, even for things we consider a priority. Yet ten minutes can usually be found, for example while waiting for your coffee to cool, for the children to walk from school to the car, for the vegies to cook. Ten minutes’ are everywhere, and while it would be good to find longer, and maybe you can, the main thing is to start an achievable habit of putting words on a page.

A ‘first line writing prompt’, is as you may have guessed a writing prompt that gives you the first line of your story. (You can find a new one listed here every day.) Often the challenge with writing is knowing where to start, what to write about and sometimes even facing a blank page, this style of writing prompt overcomes all of these.

So simply find your ten minutes and start writing. If you don’t finish the story that’s okay. If it’s complete and utter rubbish that’s okay too. The main thing is that you are putting words on the page, and have started a routine. Believe me, with practice, you will surprise yourself with the quality and creativity of your stories, and you will finish them – maybe not always in the ten minutes, but you will finish them.

Tags: Elizabeth Bezant, first sentences, goal setting, writing, writing advice, writing coach, writing exercise, writing fiction, writing tip

I’d always thought that crossing your legs while typing was advised against simply because it would cut off some of the circulation to your legs.  Turns out I was wrong.  (I know, I know it happens occasionally.) It can also put your spine out of alignment.

Did you know that?

Tags: Elizabeth Bezant, writers, writing, writing advice, writing exercise

All this week I have been looking forward to today – a day off in a busy week. I’ve been out working most days, only to come home and work late in the evening finishing work just so that I could NOT WORK today. There is, however, one challenge.

I don’t know what to do when I’m not working. Such is the problem of somebody who converted their hobby into a career.

1. I thought about doing housework, but ‘Hey, it’s my day off!’
2. I thought about watching a movie, but the family are already watching Knights of the Holy Grail which I have never really understood (I know I must be the only person in the entire world who just sees it as silly).
3. Thought about reading a book, but the laughing from said family at said movie is echoing around the entire house and slightly distracting.
4. Did think about going out, but ‘Hey, it’s cold and wet outside, and my Ugg boots are warm!’

Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m lucky to have a career that I enjoy so much that I do it even on my days off. But I have a feeling that by the time I think of something non-work related to do it will be tomorrow and my day off will be over again.

So the question is, does anybody else have this problem? What do other writers do on their days off?

(PS I did start a new hobby – gardening – but like I said it’s cold and wet outside today.)

Tags: writers, writers hobbies, writing, writing advice

There is, believe it or not, a competition in the US for the worst first sentence of a novel. It’s called the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest and the awards are just being handed out for 2010. So, since most of you are aware of my daily first sentence writing prompts, it seemed only right to include the winning sentence in my blog.

The first sentence below was written by published author Molly Ringle of Seattle, Washinton.

For the first month of Ricardo and Felicity’s affair, they greeted one another at every stolen rendezvous with a kiss–a lengthy, ravenous kiss, Ricardo lapping and sucking at Felicity’s mouth as if she were a giant cage-mounted water bottle and he were the world’s thirstiest gerbil.

For more on this prestigious award and to read the winners of each different section, or simply to feel better about your writing, please visit www.bulwer-lytton.com

Tags: Bulwer Lytton Fiction Contest, first sentences, how not to start a story, worst first sentences, worst starts to stories, writing tip

This is such a wonderful picture I just had to share it.

Launch of Caring Moments at Alzheimer's Australia, NSW

The photo was taken at Alzheimer’s Australia NSW after our book launch. To me it says everything about Alzheimer’s Australia; the reason you only see the backs of people is because everybody is talking, sharing, and supporting. The need to talk and listen to carers is such a vital part of the support they need.

Another aspect, of course, is informing, so if you would like to know more about Alzheimer’s why not tune in to Tony Delroy’s Night Life this Thursday? Pamela and I should be interviewed around 9.15pm WA time.  The interview was recorded last week so I can’t quite remember what we said, but I’m sure it was wise and insightful. If you want to listen to it online just click here.

Tags: ABC radio, Alzheimer's Australia, Caring Moments, Elizabeth Bezant, tony delroy

Well, I think I can confidently say that the Sydney trip was a success. That is even discounting my 3 new handbags, 3 new watches, purse, and numerous other ‘faux’ designer accessories acquired during the squeezed in shopping jaunts.

The Sydney launch of Caring Moments followed by the Alzheimer’s Australia Open Day went wonderfully, with the Hon. John Watkins saying some extremely flattering things about our book. The event also gave us the opportunity to meet and chat with carers, aged care workers and those in the book industry, which is always a good and fun thing.

Not that the day started quite as smoothly as I had planned. Most people who know me, accept that I am more of a ‘word person’ than a ‘number person’, but even I surprised

Sydney from my room

myself when setting my morning alarm. I accidentally (but then who would do it on purpose?) changed the time on my phone two hours backwards, when I should have added two hours. So it’s a good job Pam phoned me, or else I would have turned up at the launch four hours late! Very unprofessional, but who knows maybe that is why I was so drawn to buying watches while I was away.

And certainly being prompt was an advantage with regards to our flight back to WA. In fact, we were so early arriving at the airport that we were transferred from the evening flight to the afternoon flight. A definite bonus for me since it allowed me to see my family when I arrived home as opposed to having to sneak in without waking them.

Hmm, I’m sure this blog is supposed to be about writing and not punctuality. Although it has taught me one important thing – always have a reliable watch when you are spending a week flitting from one important meeting to another (especially if you want to find some time for shopping).

Tags: Alzheimer's Australia, Caring Moments, Elizabeth Bezant, Sydney book tour