DO YOU WANT TO WRITE FOR ELLE?
The ELLE Talent 2012 writing competition is still open and you can find the opening sentence for your entry in the September issue of ELLE.
This year Alex Heminsley, author and ELLE books editor is on the judging panel. We asked Alex a few questions about books and how she started writing...
How did you decide to write your first book?
I suspected I wanted to write for years, but I was utterly stumped for something to say - and having worked in publishing I knew that it wouldn't work if I had found no story. It was only when I had something I really wanted to communicate to people that I began to enjoy writing.
When writing, what are your working rituals?
I have to get started early. If I con myself that a 'walk to think about things' or 'a proper breakfast first' will help I always regret it. I have to stay offline and get a big chunk of text done by 10 or 11am, then edit, read and nap at leisure. Freedom, a software programme that locks you offline for between 15 minutes and 8 hours is invaluable for this.
What book would you recommend to any aspiring writer?
On Writing by Stephen King works as great read but is also full of incomparable advice for anyone embarking on a novel.
What is your favourite book?
It would be impossible to have one favourite but I am never very far from Nancy Mitford's Love in a Cold Climate.
For more tips on how to improve your writing style, see ELLE's writing tutorials created with the Faber Academy.
GRAND OPENING
ELLE Preview is our edit of the month's best art, books, music and films. Read our review of new film Take This Waltz, get the lowdown on the electronic music artist known as Grimes and find out about the new Opening Ceremony book. All inside the September issue of ELLE.
CHEMICAL ROMANCE
In the September issue, ELLE discovers what the experts behind internet dating sites know about match making and love.
We asked the love doctors at eHarmony for their key principles. Here they are:
- Dating isn't a numbers game. Quality not quantity
- Opposites attract, then they attack. Similarity across values and beliefs is key
- Compatibility is the most important ingredient. You understand each other and have butterflies.
- How you argue and resolve conflict is crucial.
- Love takes work. Life throws up challenges; with the right person, it's worth it.
Read the full story in the September issue
ROKSANDA ILINCIC
Inside the September issue of ELLE Roksanda Ilincic reveals all about her personal style and love of fashion. There just wasn't room in the magazine to include everything she told us, so here are the extra bits…
MY WARDROBE
It’s perfectly organised. I’m a little bit crazy when it comes to my wardrobe - it’s colour and style coordinated and at least once a year I pack things away that I don’t wear as much.
KEY ITEM
The last thing I bought was a gorgeous, vintage Hermes bag with a minimal amount of hardware. I find Hermes bags beautifully understated. The way they’re hand crafted and finished is unique, it’s a wonderful thing to have in your hand. Pure luxury!
INSPIRATION
Female designers like Coco Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet are a big inspiration. Looking back on their work now, it seems so classic and beautiful but at the time it was revolutionary, daring and modern. They had a sense of independence and a different point of view that changed the course of fashion.
When I started designing I was inspired by art, movies, theatre and modern ballet but now I find small or bizarre things can inspire me enormously - even the building site outside my window.
ON FASHION IN LONDON
There is the freedom to be unique and different and have your own voice in London. There is this immense pool of young and more established labels all in one place. It is so exciting to be part of that. It makes you want to achieve more, be different and do more incredible, creative things. London drives and appreciates creativity like nowhere else.
Read the full interview in the September issue, out now.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?
To coincide with this year’s ELLE Talent competition novelist, poet and Director of the Faber Academy Fiction Programme, Richard Skinner will present a writing tutorial each week right here on ELLEuk.com.
Here are Richard’s top 5 writing tips:
1 - Don't use adverbs (e.g Slowly, Suddenly)
2 - Make sure your main character is a generator of incident, not a victim of circumstance.
3 - Write from your stomach, not your head or heart.
4 - Twist your plot like a screw, don't hammer it like a nail.
5 - Keep going!
Follow Richard on Twitter @RichardNSkinner
Find the opening sentence for your entry and more information about this month’s ELLE Talent writing competition in the September issue of ELLE on sale now
Click here to visit the dedicated ELLE Talent competition page
ELLE FILM CLUB
Be the first to see Shadow Dancer this month for free with ELLE and Paramount films with an exclusive screening on the 16 August.
In Shadow Dancer, Andrea Riseborough plays Colette McVeigh, a single mother and IRA sympathiser. After being caught out by an MI5 officer (Clive Owen), she faces 25 years in jail or becoming a double agent to spy on her own brothers. Also starring Gillian Anderson.
Find the code inside the September 2012 issue of ELLE and click this link to claim your free ticket today.
Click here for terms and conditions.
THE POWER OF ROSIE
Meet our September cover star
There’s a whole lot more to Rosie Huntington Whiteley than her extraordinary good looks. Since her career began at the age of 16 Rosie has conquered the modeling industry, hit Hollywood and is now launching a lingerie collaboration with high street giant M&S. For Rosie, failure is not an option. The model-turned-actress-turned-designer talks to ELLE about, fame, determination and living life to the fullest with blockbuster boyfriend Jason Statham. She's unstoppable.
MY LIFE IN BOOKS
Check out this month’s My Life in Books for the full lowdown on Alison Mosshart’s life-changing reads. Find out which book she bonded with Jamie Hince (her The Kills band mate) over and discover what collection of poetry the singer and model gives to friends.
PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST
Inside the September issue ELLE’s beauty guru Lisa Eldridge talks to Alice Wignall about being dedicated, her mission to make it in the make up industry, and hanging out with Cindy Crawford. Buy ELLE now to find out what Eldridge’s words of wisdom are for anyone starting their career.
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