WRITING TOOLKIT gives you an idea of an author's writing process through the tools they use. The tools can be anything (real or virtual) that they think is essential for their writing - serious, fun or even a fetish (that they're willing to own up to)!
LAURA WILKINSON
AUTHOR OF SKIN DEEP
TO SHARE HER WRITING TOOLKIT
An idea
One with legs. I have lots of ideas but they
don’t all have legs or those that are strong enough. Thinking a lot is part of
being a writer and why gazing out of a window constitutes work. Sometimes.
A notebook
Stationery, I love it! There’s a fantastic
shop in the North Laine here in Brighton; it’s great to go in and dribble over
the exquisite notebooks even when I don’t need another one. I have a new
notebook at the start of a new project in which I pour every thought and idea –
regardless of how bonkers they seem. I keep it by my bed at night. It’s easy to
believe that when we’re struck by a ‘brilliant’ idea, we will remember it
because, well, it’s brilliant. I have learnt to my cost this isn’t always so.
Write everything down is one of my rules. Alongside my novel notebook, I have
an ‘everyday’ one, which I carry everywhere, transferring to another book when
I’m home – and another for my editing and mentoring jobs, plus a spare.
My writing den
Until March of this year I worked in
whichever corner of our average-to-small sized house I could squeeze into: my
bedroom, the dining room, the living room. My husband is a musician and
carpenter; my eldest son plays guitar, my youngest piano, so I am forever
tripping over instruments and gear. I work best without distraction or noise so
it’s a pleasure and privilege to escape to my den. I find a beautiful space
conducive to creativity and I wonder now how I ever managed.
Post-it notes
As you can see I am a huge fan of post-it
notes of all sizes and colours. I use them to map out a narrative – not
immediately, I’m not that much of a planner. It’s something I do once I’m
around a third in. Commonly, I begin a novel knowing where the story kicks off
and roughly where it might end, though I will often be surprised by my
characters who lead me down a different path to the one I anticipated. I use
small post-its to tag a MS once I’ve done ‘the big read through’ – different
colours mean different things: yellow to cut or move a scene, blue where the
major plot points are and so on. I use them to write character essence quotes
and stick them around the screen; I write useful maxims like ‘action not
activity’ on them and stick them around the screen and on my desk. I’m
surprised I can see the screen at all by the time I write ‘The End’.
Microsoft Word
I have friends who swear by Scrivener and I
did try it for a month. There was a lot I liked about it – the ability to move
scenes around quickly and easily for one thing, the cork board another – but in
the end I reverted to Word because the MS looked so ugly when pieced together
for printing. I am sure with more time, I could learn how to prettify it but I
was up against a deadline. I worked as a journalist and copywriter before
turning to fiction so Word has been one of my best working friends since the
mid-90s and I am so used to it and competent with it too that it’s hard to
abandon. I cannot imagine writing a novel long hand. Notes I write in pencil
but in terms of an actual narrative – novel or short story or article – nothing
seems ‘real’ till it’s before me on screen
No internet
My attention span often resembles that of a feeble-minded
gnat. Social media is both my best friend and worst enemy. When the den was
finished I decided it would be an internet free zone. Of course, I can access
the internet on my iPad and phone and will do for the teeny-tiny research
points… but not having access on the desktop does help me focus.
Tea and cake
Plenty of herbal tea (and the occasional mug
of builder’s) keeps me going, along with ‘reward’ slabs of cake: Battenberg,
French Fancies, Fruit, Lemon Drizzle. As long as it’s sweet I’m sorted – which
is more than can be said for my waistline during intense periods of writing. I
adore my teapot, cup and saucer set gifted from a dear friend.
A blanket
Clothes are not important to me when writing
(very important otherwise – I love all things concerning fashion and style),
though I do wash, brush my hair and slap on make-up sometimes. But my blanket…
that is important. I have heating in my writing den but I do not possess the
best circulation in the world and get cold easily. Sometimes I don’t move for hours. My blanket
is my saviour. That and fingerless gloves in winter.
These are some of the drills, screws and
ratchets I use for writing. But everyone’s toolbox – or shed – is stocked
differently. Thank you, Vicki, for having me over on your fabulous blog. I can’t
wait to read about others’ preferred instruments!
THANKS FOR TAKING PART, LAURA!
About Laura Wilkinson
Liverpool born, Laura is a taff at heart. She has published
six novels for adults (two under a pseudonym) and numerous short stories, some
of which have made the short lists of international competitions. Public Battles, Private Wars, was a
National Museum of Wales book of the month; Redemption
Song was a Kindle top twenty. The
Family Line is a family drama set in the near future, looking at identity
and parenting. Her latest is Skin Deep. Alongside writing, Laura works as an
editor & mentor for literary consultancies and runs workshops on aspects of
craft. She’s spoken at festivals and events nationwide, including the Frome Festival, Gladfest, University of Kingston,
The Women’s Library and Museum in Docklands. She lives in Brighton with her
husband and sons.
Find Laura on her website, on her Facebook page and on Twitter - @ScorpioScribble
About Skin Deep
Published by Accent Press (15 June 2017)
Publisher's description
It’s what’s inside that counts…
Art student and former model Diana has always been admired
for her beauty but what use are good looks when you want to shine for your
talent? Insecure and desperate for inspiration, Diana needs a muse.
Facially disfigured
four-year-old Cal lives a life largely hidden from the world. But he was born
to be looked at and he needs love too. A chance encounter changes everything;
Cal becomes Diana’s muse. But as Diana’s reputation develops and Cal grows up,
their relationship implodes.
Both struggle to be
accepted for what lies within.
Is it possible to find acceptance in a society where what's on the outside counts for so much?
Is it possible to find acceptance in a society where what's on the outside counts for so much?
To read more Writing Toolkit features, click here.
