Fifty books. Did I really hear that? Fifty. Can you imagine that? My mind has been blown away! I can’t fathom having fifty books published in my name – would I even remember all of their names or what the stories were about.

Last Saturday I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting and listening to, a renowned Australian author who has that many published novels. His name, James Moloney. This down-to-earth author writes a range of genre, but focuses mainly on fantasy and contemporary realism.
 
I came to know of James Moloney when my daughter brought home one of his books, Lost Property, as her Year 10 English text. I read it out of curiosity, being an author myself. I found the novel gutsy and real, so different to the texts I’d read back in high school in the eighties. After finishing Lost Property I wanted to read more of James’ work. So when I heard that Book Links/Write Links were holding this workshop, I quickly booked my spot.

I was not disappointed. With a room full of authors and aspiring writers, it was a real pleasure to listen to how James writes and in particular his tips on how to write a series of books.

I personally have never contemplated writing a series. My first standalone book is in the process of being published and it was a marathon to write.

I couldn’t imagine writing a trilogy or more! But many people in the room did have that ambition and were planning and writing their series of novels. It was wonderful to hear their dreams and ideas.

The two hour workshop was full of great advice and wisdom. My hand wrote frenziedly as I filled seven pages of my notebook. Re-reading my notes, I would have to say that the best tips I gleaned were:

• Plan out your series and make it unique in some way; something unforgettable or completely unexpected.
• When you plan, don’t just plan the concept and overarching conflict, but plan the world, plan the major and minor characters and plan the time line.
• Be consistent across your books.
• Write the first book as a standalone that could be added to at a later date. It may not become a series.
• Ensure a strong voice and a good hook.

At the end of the session I knew that the time had not been wasted. There were tips and tricks that I could use in my own books. James also put the thought into my head – could I write a series? And if I did, what creative, unique story could I write? … I don’t really have any ideas so that means that I’d need time to let them swish and swirl around my imagination. Maybe I could sit on my front balcony with my feet up and a cup of coffee, and be creative instead of doing the mundane household chores… 

Write Links Networking:

After our workshop, Write Links members shared their news for the month. April had been both eventful and an active month. The room was full of congratulatory clapping.  Write Links is such an active group.

Our members have:

• Books in the process of being published
• Books about to be launched
• CYA conference competition submissions
• Mentorships
• Songwriting for Multicultural Affairs
• YouTube videos for Open Colleges

Upcoming Events:
The QWC workshop, The Business of books: Hard & Soft Launches by Peter M. Ball was advertised and highly recommended.
http://www.qwc.asn.au/events/business/prepare-to-launch-ii/
 
Critiquing:
The last session of the afternoon was critiquing. There are three groups: Picture Books, Junior Fiction and Young Adults. All groups busily shared their thoughts and ideas on how the authors could improve their work. I find this an invaluable part of the Write Links meeting. My writing has improved so much over the time I have been sharing it with others. I like that my fellow authors give me ideas, they tell me the parts of my story that are inconsistent or don’t make sense, and they tell me what is great. Having people talk about your work can be daunting but the critiquers are there to help and to make your writing the best it can be.  If you haven’t joined a critique group, I highly recommend it.
 
Our Next Meeting:
Our next meeting will be on 4 June. The first session will be a group collaborative story for the Big Draw. Last year Write Link members wrote a fantastic story that the children who attended the Big Draw at the Queensland State Library illustrated.  Author Charmaine Clancy will be running the session.
 
We look forward to seeing you on 4 June.
Until then…
Dream big and keep writing!

Guest blogger: Jenny Woolsey
http://jennywoolsey.com/