On writing, publishing, filming, and everything in between.

I've written 18 books, sold 60 million copies, and a film that took $200m at the box office. What I've learned during 25 years in the business. Sort of like a jubilee but without the free mugs.

Why I’m doing this.

I’ve discovered over the past few years that I’m not great at publicity. Or at least I am good at it - as in I can make people laugh from a stage, give a good newspaper interview, talk on breakfast television without stammering and drowning in my own perspiration, but I find it increasingly difficult. I don’t really like talking about my life, my ‘journey’, my traumas, which writers are increasingly expected to do, especially if you’re female. I do, however, love talking about writing, and mind a lot less if some of the personal stuff spills out into that. Make sense? Possibly not, but here I am anyway.

Last year I created a filmed course for BBC Maestro, all about the business of writing. I was probably lured in by the ridiculous ego boost of anyone calling me ‘Maestro’ and the fact that I didn’t have to say anything about my first love or why I didn’t deserve success and felt bad about my neck. Either way it turned out to be an experience I really enjoyed. And I have loved getting feedback from newer writers who have found it useful. I think it’s produced one publishing deal so far, which is incredibly gratifying.

So I thought I’d use this space to talk about what I’ve learned about writing. How I got here, behind-the-scenes information about some of the issues - from developments in agenting to how to survive on a film set, tricks and tips for writing itself, and some interviews with other writers, because we all do things differently and really nobody knows anything.

I’ll do my best to answer queries, depending on how many people end up joining. I’ll write here on topics you suggest, if I’m able. Either way, I hope it will be a kind space. I am not sure I believe social media is generally a place for good any more but I’m told Substack is different, so I hope if we become a community that it will be a supportive one.

I’ll aim to post weekly, at least to start. If I’m filming, or touring, that may have to change briefly but I will do my best to make sure everyone feels like they are getting their money’s worth. A paid subscription will get you all the writing advice I can throw at you - and hopefully some more besides. I am self-taught, so I’ll basically be passing on what I’ve learned from my experiences and mistakes.

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