Ten Things I’ve Learned About Writing Books By Lucy Diamond

The best ideas come from nowhere - and only when they're ready. I'm not one of those people who can plot an entire novel before they even type 'Chapter One' - my stories work themselves out as I go along which is both nerve-wracking (how will this book end?!) and exhilarating (wait… what if THIS happens?!) Washing up, walking the dog, sorting laundry… this is all fertile ground for plot revelations in my experience.

..However, my lack of planning does mean I invariably take wrong plot-turns along the way and it often takes me a few attempts to work out the exact shape of a story. It's frustrating to find myself written into a dead-end - especially when I have to delete a page or chapter or even a whole character - but I've come to realise that this is just part of the writing process for me.

Exercise is essential. It might sound obvious but the human body was not designed to sit still and type for hours on end. A brisk walk in the fresh air is not only great for working out a plot problem, it also helps prevent the condition known as 'writer's bottom'.

Perseverance pays off. Writing a novel, like anything worthwhile, takes time, effort, a few excellent ping! moments, determination, gallons of tea, endless scribbled notes on the backs of old envelopes… and a ton of perseverance. It's hard to write a novel. It's hard to find a great agent who'll loves your work as much as you do and wants to represent you. It's hard to get a publisher, to have any kind of marketing budget, to see your book on actual shelves in a book shop. It's all hard, basically, and you'll only get anywhere if you have the grim sort of perseverance that won't let you give up.

If in doubt, make a cup of tea and gaze out of the window. I put on a thoughtful face just in case my neighbour sees me and wrongly assumes I'm not working incredibly hard.

Reaching the end of a first draft is one of the most joyful things ever. There's a fanfare in my head as I type 'The End' then print the whole thing out. I always stash a first draft out of sight for at least a week so that I can see it with fresh eyes when I edit. In the meantime, there's champagne to be drunk.

Editing is what makes the book a hundred times better. Editing is the best part! With a red pen in hand, I strip away any flabby parts of the story, anything that isn't relevant or necessary to the plot, scenes that don't go anywhere, characters that don't earn their place… I am ruthless about it. Once the major cutting is over, I start to polish, reworking each paragraph as best I can, adding colour and texture, and reading dialogue out loud to myself to ensure it sounds authentic.

The terror never leaves you. Even though I've now had eleven novels published, I still get the jitters when a new one comes out. It's as if I'm holding my breath as it goes out into the world. Will anyone buy it? Will anyone like it? The only way to distract myself is to start writing the next book immediately

The best bit about being an author? Receiving an email or message from someone who's read my book and enjoyed it - and even better, when they say that the book has helped bring about some change or other in their life. People have told me they've been inspired to start a new business, pluck up courage to leave an abusive partner, mend a relationship, and, more recently, get back into reading (through the amazing Quick Reads scheme)... it's the most wonderful kind of compliment and makes everything feel worthwhile.