How do you start writing a novel?

“You just begin, that’s the trick,” says Clayton Zane Comber, owner of Kiama’s Bouquiniste Bookstore and author of two books, Shooting Stars and 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze.

Clayton is one of four writers to lead workshops at Kiama and Gerringong libraries this month as part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) – where people world-wide take on the challenge to write 50,000 words of a new novel. His is the first, on Tues 8 November so book now.

The workshop series is designed to inspire and support you, wherever you are on your writing journey, beginner or more experienced.

Clayton Zane Comber

Clayton says that obviously different things work for different people, “But just grab a pen and paper, start writing and see where it takes you.

“If you have a synopsis or plan in your head, then all well and good. But often you won’t find your story until you start writing.

“I wrote the first draft of my book in two weeks. But it took me five years to get it right after that.”

Another workshop presenter, Dr Jonica Newby, is a TV and film journalist who has written for many years in many different styles, from straight reportage to a more personal style.

“In the latter years I put myself more in the story. That way you can make a bigger emotional connection with your audience,” she says.

“I’ll be sharing my thoughts on how non-fiction and personal narrative can also help make your story more filmic.”

Jonica Newby

Her recent work Beyond Climate Grief became a memoir of “trying to write a book about climate emotions while going through an incredible emotional upheaval” during the bushfires of 2019.

Jonica says there are all sorts of ways you can be part of the action in your story.

“As a reader you often find it far more compelling when you find yourself going on a journey with the author who can be like an avatar for you.

“The archetypal story – the Hero’s Journey – is still the most satisfying story, where something disrupts your life and you have to go on a quest to find a new resolution for yourself in the world.”

Writing workshops

Clayton Zane Comber:

How to start when starting seems hard

The perfect workshop for writers of all ages who want to get started but don’t know how.

Tues Nov 8, Gerringong Library 4-5pm

Meredith Jaffé:

Creating a story map

Explore the role of story maps in crafting a story that grabs readers and immerses them in your world, and other essential ingredients in story writing.

Tues Nov 15, Kiama Library, 4-5pm

Dr Kate Forsyth:

Bringing history to life

Learn how to bring history alive, how to balance history and fiction, and the ethics of writing about real times and real people.

Thurs Nov 24, Gerringong Library 4-5pm

Dr Jonica Newby:

Writing creative non-fiction

Jonica shares her approach to writing gripping, informative and emotionally truthful non-fiction told from a personal perspective.

Tues Nov 29, Kiama Library, 4-5pm

Cost: Adult 15+ $25 per session or $90 for all four. Concession $20 per session or $75 for four. Materials, tea and

coffee provided.

Book on 4233 1133 or online

Further info here