Dare to Write a Novel

This book is for anyone who's dreamed of writing a novel - or dreamed of writing a better novel - but isn't sure where to start. It's for anyone who wishes they could find more time and motivation to write. For anyone who wants to create more compelling characters and craft more interesting plots. Just think of it as an encouraging, entertaining - and occasionally butt-kicking - writing coach, in book form.

DARE TO WRITE A NOVEL guides you through every stage of the novel-writing process, from overcoming blocks and fears, coming up with ideas, developing characters, creating vivid fictional worlds and crafting plots... to editing your work and pitching to agents and publishers. In the book I draw upon everything I've learned as an award-winning author and editorial consultant working with many of the top UK publishing houses, such as Faber & Faber, Hodder & Stoughton, Random House, Penguin, Walker Books, Scholastic and Egmont. I've also helped thousands of writers through my workshops, talks and one-to-one coaching. It's long been a dream of mine to put everything I've learned as a writing teacher into a book, so creating DARE TO WRITE A NOVEL has been a real labour of love.

DARE TO WRITE A NOVEL also includes: Audio recordings of creative visualisations and pep talks / worksheets / an industry-approved book proposal template / expert advice from literary agents and publishers / Informative, entertaining - and occasionally embarrassing(!) - anecdotes from my writing career.

Happy writing!

PRAISE:

‘I went to Siobhan when I was pretty much down and out in writing terms. We talked, I cried a bit and laughed a lot and having listened to her wise words, came away enthused to start afresh. I did, and my new attitude has brought good luck and success.’ Anna May Mangan, best-selling author of Me and Mine and radio and TV broadcaster

‘Siobhan is great. I worked with her on my first book, Liquid Millionaire, and I was so impressed with her attitude and expertise that she had to be my number one choice for my second book. I strongly recommend and endorse her whole-heartedly.’ Stephen Sutherland, Chief Investment Strategist, ISACO

‘I worked with Siobhan at a time of uncertain of uncertainty and change in my writing career and I found our coaching conversations gave me fresh insights and a genuinely new perspective on my situation. The coaching calls still resonate with me as I move into a new phase of my work. I truly appreciate her wisdom.’ Jacqui Lofthouse, author of The Temple of Hymen, Bluethroat Morning and The Modigliani Girl

‘Siobhan Curham is a plot alchemist! Her honest, insightful and supportive feedback has shown me how I might transform my thin story into a coherent, fully-developed plot. She is completely on your side and wants you to succeed. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.' Lisa Berry

‘Siobhan is one of the most gifted writers I have worked with in the last fifteen years. Subtleties of character, tone and plotting seem to come easily to her. And what’s more she’s a joy to work with – a true professional.’ Leah Thaxton, Publisher, Faber & Faber

‘Siobhan not only knows how to craft a terrific story, but she writes with wit and intelligence, creating characters you believe in long after the last page. Her writing is up-beat, life-affirming and full of that rare and wonderful ingredient: heart.’ Mara Bergman, Senior Commissioning Editor, Walker Books

‘I’ve seen Siobhan at every stage of the creative process and she’s one of the very best.