Jennifer Weiner's tips

Jennifer Weiner (most famous for writing the book behind the film In Her Shoes, staring Cameron Diaz), knows a thing or two about chick lit writing. Read her tongue in cheek piece, So you want to be a novelist?

http://www.jenniferweiner.com/forwriters.htm

Enjoy!

Tried and tested top editing tip!

I've had success with an idea I came up with for editing, so I thought I'd pass it on.

Audio record yourself reading aloud your first draft and listen to it repeatedly in the car, on the way to work, or dashing around town (works better if it's just you in the car).

Seriously, this works! Hearing the story spoken aloud helps you assess plot consistency, whether the characters are likeable or realistic and also allows you to judge how your story may sound to a reader. I stumbled across this idea, through listening to the Radio 4 plays and book of the week items. Commuting is dead time to me, but it's also valuable alone time and a great opportunity to rehash ideas in my head.

Now for some techie options you might like to try: -

• If your computer has the function, voice record yourself and burn it onto a CD that can be listened to in the car. Or put it onto MP3
• Beg, steal or borrow (or buy from argos, circa £20-30) a dictation machine and turn it up loud!
• Use the voice record function on your mobile and press play before setting off on your journey, or transfer it to your PC via USB and burn it onto disk.

If, like me, you have a long daily commute to a full time job and can only write in your precious spare time, it's worth a go.