Are you starting out in your writing journey but not quite sure how to go about putting pen to paper, or how to maintain your creativity and stay motivated and focussed? We asked some shortlisted authors of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards to offer tips for new scribes.
Amanda Lohrey, The Labyrinth (Fiction)
Patience and persistence.
Evie Wyld, The Bass Rock (Fiction)
Don’t rush it – there is absolutely no hurry. And always be ready to start something new and come back in six months to what you’re hacking away at.
Jo Lennan, In the Time of Foxes (Fiction)
Take care of yourself. You need a livelihood and writing probably isn’t it. Even if it could be, that might not be great for your day-to-day happiness or mental health. Also, writing all the time makes you a massive bore. Been there, done that.
Quentin Sprague, The Stranger Artist: Life at the Edge of Kimberley Painting
(No-Fiction)
Well, this is my first book, so I’m not the best person to ask! I’d say have no fear, but fear is a great motivator.
Suzanne Smith, The Altar Boys (Non-Fiction)
There are some great short courses that help you with things like your synopsis, your voice in the novel etc. I am currently doing a Curtis Brown (UK) writing course with great tutors and mentors. We can always keep learning. Don’t be fazed by any constructive criticism, the more detailed the better. Seek mentors who understand your work.Â
Cath Moore, Metal Fish, Falling Snow (Young Adult)
It only takes one gatekeeper to let you through to the other side. I struggled for years to find traction with my debut novel. Countless rejection letters later, I received an email from my now publisher who wanted to read more. You just need the right set of eyes to connect with your work at the right time. So when you think your manuscript is ready to send out, do another two drafts!
We often have very little control over how our work gets published, so concentrate on making it the best you possibly can and have faith that good work always lands where and when it should.
Davina Bell, The End of the World is Bigger Than Love (Young Adult)
Nothing – not time on Instagram or reading books on craft or perfecting your pitch letter – nothing is going to be as valuable as time in the chair just doing the work. (But why is it so hard to do?!)
Rawah Arja, The F Team (Young Adult)
One day you’ll see your novel in bookstores and from a distance someone will pick it up and choose you. Someone will always choose you, but you must choose yourself first. Everything else will follow.
Danielle Binks, The Year the Maps Changed (Children)
If you’re writing books for children and young adults? Get ready to go back to school again. And give presentations in front of a whole bunch of students – so you better get used to public speaking too.
Jaclyn Moriarty, The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst (Children)
Don’t take any notice of the rules – e.g. people will tell you that you should get up early and write every day. If I had to get up early to write I’d never have become a writer (night is my favourite time) and my plotting works best when I’m not writing every day.
Matt Ottley, illustrator, How to Make a Bird (Children)
Focus on the work, not on achievement, and try the best you can to avoid social media beyond what is needed to promote your work. Art before fashion.
Meg McKinlay, author, How to Make a Bird (Children)
Remember why you came here. Listen to others but follow your own voice. Work out what’s essential/intrinsic to you and don’t compromise on that. Focus on the writing rather than on being a writer. Don’t be an aspiring author or a published author; be someone who’s creative and curious and committed to their craft.
Remy Lai, Fly on the Wall (Children)
To have fun. Sometimes, when you have a goal and you experience setbacks, you might start to resent the process of getting there, and you forget how much fun you had when you were just doing it simply because you love it.
Laurie Duggan, Homer Street (Poetry)
Read as much as you can. Don’t worry about being ‘original’. You’re probably not. But if you’re any good you will be… eventually.
Stephen Edgar, The Strangest Place, New and Selected (Poetry)
Read widely, don’t be too easily satisfied with what you write, don’t let rejections discourage you, and persevere. Writing is a life sentence.
The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards began in 2008 and recognise individual excellence and the contribution Australian authors make to the nation’s cultural and intellectual life.
For more information see the 2021 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
The winners will be be announced Wednesday 15 December between 8.30-9.30am AEDT with the event livestreamed. Up to $100,000 is awarded in each category: $80,000 for each winner and $5,000 each for shortlisted entries. A link to the broadcast will be available on the Awards’ Facebook page.
