HOW TO GET WRITING DESPITE THE MODERN WORLD
We all know how writing works. A writer, a proper writer, sits there at her desk from the moment her eyes open to the second that she’s hit Save on the three thousand new words of her first and final draft.
No. Nonsense.
Writing is hard, and pretty much everything about your life is designed to get in its way.
According to Faber Academy's Twitter followers, there are three hold-ups in particular.
Here’s how to get round them.
1) Laundry
Undeniably important, socially, to stay fresh. But doing your laundry needn’t stop you writing. Get a dictaphone. Or, if you’re a smartphone person, get Audioboo. The rhythmic boredom of it all will help you achieve a state of flow, and you’ll be away.
2) Fear
Ask yourself what you’re afraid of and write that down instead for now. Print it in big pink comic sans letters and whack it on the wall. Once you’ve done that, set out to write something that you’ll never have to share, just for you, just for the hell of it. Write 1000 words about a bread bin. Now we’re motoring. See, that was alright, wasn’t it?
3) Twitter
And the internet more generally. The fix for this is easy and comes in three stages. First, try switching off the WiFi, or pulling out the network cable. If that only works for a bit, then get out of the house. Find a cafe or pub with no WiFi, leave your phone at home. If that still doesn’t work, there’s always a public library. Failing that, get a shed on the Moon.
Ian Ellard works for the Faber Academy, and tweets at @FaberAcademy
Watch the ELLE Talent 2012/Faber Academy writing tutorials here
JACKIE COLLINS - MY LIFE IN BOOKS
From Shirley Manson to Vivienne Westwood and Tracey Emin to Chloe Sevigny, we've interviewed an eclectic and fascinating array of people in ELLE about the books that have changed their lives.
The books they read and love reveal so much more than just their literary tastes - they tell us about who they are, what they feel and what makes them tick.
In the October issue, Jackie Collins shares her favourite books, ranging from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens to The Godfather by Mario Puzo.
it's no big surprise that Jackie's insights and reflections are totally brilliant and wickedly funny.
Read the full interview in the October issue, on sale now
What are the books that have changed your life? Tweet us @ELLEuk #ELLEbooks
ELLE FILM CLUB
This month ELLE (in partnership with Show Film First and Entertainment One) are giving readers the chance to watch Emma Watson’s new film, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, for FREE!
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower - based on the acclaimed novel of the same name - tells the story of Charlie (Logan Lerman), a high school student who struggles to fit in. Luckily, new friends Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller) are on hand to lead him into the thrills of young adulthood in this touching coming-of-age drama.
For your chance to catch this sweet, funny film absolutely free, search for the ELLE code inside the October issue of ELLE and click here to apply. The ELLE screening will be on 25 September – and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is in cinemas on 3 October.
Click here for terms and conditions.
EDITED BY THE INTERNS
If you haven’t heard already, where have you been? The October issue of ELLE is brought to you by a team of very talented, young interns.
Do they have what it takes to make your magazine? We think so. Check out the October issue to see for yourself.
I'M JUST A GIRL
This month’s cover star is Gwen Stefani. She talks to ELLE about family, fashion and returning to the studio. Find out what’s changed for the girl we all want to be.
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