It depends on the short story! Some will just flow out, others I need to have several drafts to get right but I aim to get at least one story out a month to meet the deadlines for Writers’ News/Writing Magazine competitions. I usually try to get another story out too if I can either to Shortbread or one of the many festival and other writing competitions. If I wasn’t writing other things, I could get more work out but given I can only write part time I’m relatively happy with this. I would, of course, like to do more but without losing quality.
How long does a novel take you to write?
Ages is the simply answer! I do several drafts. I think two years is probably a good estimate. As with short stories, I could almost certainly speed this up by not writing so much other material (though I must admit I enjoy writing my blogs and putting in background and other material not in the novels themselves). I think it vitally important not to rush the drafts’ stages. What matters is getting the story right. When you get to the point you really can’t think of anything else to add or take out, then there’s the time to start submitting to the market and test the water.
Do you find writing conferences helpful? If so, why?
Yes! Some are more helpful than others as it all depends on the courses/talks they’re offering but I’ve not been to one yet where I came away feeling it was a waste of time. I’ve always learned something new. It’s also lovely meeting other writers, finding out what they do and talking about what I do. It’s great I suppose to have a truly sympathetic ear. While family and friends are very supportive (and I know I’m lucky there), only another writer will understand the frustrations of having lots to write and not enough time, or having the time and your wonderful ideas suddenly don’t seem so great after all. Also being able to talk about what part of a story you found most difficult or the most enjoyable to write really only means something to those who also write. And given writing conferences also promote books (especially the creative writing ones), there’s much to enjoy there too! Those that run competitions are helpful as if you manage to be Commended or to win it’s not just a boost for the ego, it looks good for the writing CV too.