Writing Feedback – Kathryn-Burnett.com

Want to Hook Your Reader Immediately?

August 27, 2017March 6, 2018UncategorizedAuckland writing workshops, Brainstorming, Creative block, Creative inspiration, Creativity, Ideation, Writing, Writing Feedback, writing group, writing tips, writing workshopsLeave a comment

There’s something so thrilling and delicious about reading a really hooky first sentence or engaging first pages in a book – you just know you’re about to be taken on a great ride.

Is there a writer on the planet who doesn’t want their first pages to thrill, delight and intrigue?

I’m guessing no.

And on a practical level – first pages are generally the first thing judges, editors, publishers and assessors get to see of your work. So take a moment to answer these questions.

There’s no right answer – they’re simply a list of provocations to help you ensuree your first pages are as awesomely shiny as they can be.

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I Hate Big Buts and I Cannot Lie

May 11, 2017May 11, 2018Uncategorizedscreenwriting classes, screenwriting workshops, scriptwriting classes, writers group, Writing, Writing Feedback, writing group, writing tips, writing workshopsLeave a comment

I want to write a screenplay/book/play BUT I don’t have time.

I want to finish my book/short film BUT can’t because I have children.

I want to apply for that writer’s grant I heard about BUT there’s probably no point.

I want to enter that short story competition BUT only real writers ever win.

I want to write a book BUT I’m afraid I’m not good enough yet.

I want to write short stories BUT I worry I’m too old to start now.

I want to write BUT I worry I’m too young and that people won’t take me seriously.

I want to write for TV BUT I don’t know other writers or industry people.

I want to write plays BUT I have to spend most of my time making a living.

I want to write one day BUT I’m waiting until I retire/until work calms down/until the house is renovated/until I’ve done one more workshop /until the kids have left school etc, etc, etc, etc.

And the list goes on.

I hear variations of these excuses all the time. And sometimes I hear one or two coming out of my own mouth – goddamnit. But there are always numerous, perfectly freaking logical reasons for not investing your time in writing and, um, so what?

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10 Excellent Reasons To Join A Writers Group

January 7, 2017March 6, 2018UncategorizedCreative block, Screenwriting, screenwriting classes, Tips, writers group, Writing, writing competitions, Writing Feedback, writing group, writing workshopsLeave a comment

I’m frequently asked by writers how they can keep themselves motivated and keep their project moving forward. This is a challenge I’m very familiar with so I duly offer up a bunch of tips and techniques I’ve developed over the years, and the one that really works for me consistently is – be accountable to somebody.

There’s nothing like somebody waiting for you to deliver to give you a case of the giddy-ups.

And how would it be if it wasn’t just one person waiting for you to deliver but a whole bunch?

Ladies and gentlemen – I give you – the writers group.

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