I first heard of Jane Wenham-Jones when I was
trying (or I suppose you could say 'failing', if you wanted to be a bit of a
meanie/honest) to write stories for women's magazines. She was the envy of all
wannabe writers like me - not only had she had countless stories published, but
also the holy grail: she'd had a novel published! In fact, make that three novels published!
I never lost my respect and admiration for this
author, so when I heard that she'd written a book for writers, I snapped it up.
But did it disappoint?
In a word: No! In two words: Absolutely not! In
three: Not even close! (Right, that's enough of that. On with the
review.)
Jane Wenham-Jones's book is a lighthearted, highly
personal look at the ins and outs of being a writer. Unlike conventional
how-to-write books, she focuses on the reality of writing. How can you make
yourself sit in that seat and keep producing words? What will happen to your
bottom if you do? How will you cope with rejections? And if you succeed, what's
in store for you? How can you make it to the Richard & Judy book club? Will
anyone turn up to your book signings?
In among the jokes - there were loads of those, and
they were great - are gems of wisdom. I particularly liked the section on
discipline and displacement, which was fun as well as useful. The advice on
writerly jealousy (which of course, being angelic and entirely altruistic,
I never suffer from) was excellent and I took careful notes. Ditto the section
"Diets for Fat Scribes". Ahem. There are sections on sex, and shopping (well,
handbags), and even a nod to the Offside Rule in case the more laddish were
feeling left out. And there's also a short piece on that Chick Lit writers'
favourite love-to-hate topic: snobbery.
I loved the little touches like the stick figures
and the illustrations of planning and plotting techniques. The book contains
quotes by writers including Kate Long, Kate Harrison, Jill Mansell, Adele Parks,
Jilly Cooper, Carole Matthews and Isabel Wolff, agents Simon Trewin and Jane
Judd, and publishers HarperCollins and Transworld, among others. There is also
an intro by Katie Fforde, and details of a writing competition at the end
(closing date December 2007, so take Jane Wenham-Jones's advice and get
writing!)
Slightly more of an autobiography-with-frills than
a How-To-Write book, Wannabe a Writer? is entertaining, witty and realistic.
Health warning: It's a very British book, complete with alcohol consumption
jokes which may shock audiences across the pond.
Buy it for yourself and/or give it to someone as a
present. Jane Wenham-Jones "could do with the sales" - and with this excellent
book, she deserves them.
The book also has a website.
[Luisa Plaja]
