writing group – 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.

Continue reading Want to Hook Your Reader Immediately?

How to Fight “The Doubts”

August 13, 2017June 25, 2018UncategorizedAuckland writing workshops, Creative thinking, screenwriting classes, screenwriting workshops, scriptwriting, writers group, Writing, writing competitions, writing group, writing tips, writing workshops2 Comments

Last month I received an email from a screenwriter client who, after receiving a “thanks but no thanks” letter, wanted to know what I tell myself to fight off the doubts that I’m not good enough. – and stay focused on finishing my story…

It was such a great question and it really started me thinking – what exactly DO I tell myself to fight off the doubts and keep going?

Self-doubt affects just about every writer I know and I’m certainly no stranger to it. Being a writer means endlessly seeking validation and approval from the outside world. And sometimes we just don’t get it. Cue the doubts aka the dark vortex of doubt aka the creeping fingers of dread aka the paralysing, grey corset of doom.

So what do I tell myself to get the crazy under control?

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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?

Continue reading I Hate Big Buts and I Cannot Lie