'‘Flow’, named in the mid-twentieth century, describes a mental state characterised by an intense absorption'

‘Flow’, named in the mid-twentieth century by the Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a mental state characterised by an intense absorption, the loss of self-consciousness and an altered perception of time.

'E. L. Doctorow’s liberating idea that ‘writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights.'

E. L. Doctorow’s liberating idea that ‘writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.’ Whether you’re a plotter or a ‘pantser’, this is sound advice.

'We decided to release new titles at specific shows. This was our first brush with the idea of event publishing although we were unaware of that term. '

We decided to release new titles at specific shows. This was our first brush with the idea of event publishing although we were unaware of that term. Using the annual schedule of comic conventions, we tied each new release to a particular show.

'He explained that everything else from now on — the agent, the publisher, the deal, the reviews, the readers, the prizes, none of it will be as thrilling as this moment. '

He explained that everything else from now on — the agent, the publisher, the deal, the reviews, the readers, the prizes, none of it will be as thrilling as this moment. As satisfying. This is the zenith of all writing, when the writing is done.

'Jayne Anne Phillips' slim collection Sweethearts was published when she was in her early twenties. She calls the writing ‘pieces’. Each is a page'

Jayne Anne Phillips' slim collection Sweethearts was published when she was in her early twenties. She does not refer to its contents as stories or poems; she calls the writing ‘pieces’. Each is a page, a snapshot of small-town American life.

'A comfortable chair is essential, unless one is a Woolf or a Hemingway (who wrote on their feet), or a Sitwell or Capote (who wrote recumbent). '

A comfortable chair is essential, unless one is a Woolf or a Hemingway (who wrote on their feet), or a Sitwell or Capote (who wrote recumbent). A swivel chair – also known as a spinny or revolving chair – is my go-to option.

'Left alone with no idea, your imagination begins to work overtime. The book is dying on its feet.'

Generally, editors only call you if there is good news. So, if they don’t call, that could mean nothing is happening. Left alone with no idea, your imagination begins to work overtime. The book you cared about so passionately, is dying on its feet.

'Carrot comes into view — another ep of latest Covid Netflix addiction. Only if you’ve done your pages. Comes as Mrs Danvers’ voice.'

Carrot comes into view — another ep of latest Covid Netflix addiction. Only if you’ve done your pages. Comes as Mrs Danvers’ voice, icy, stern and always delivered wearing black at top of stairs. There is no Rebecca or nameless heroine in our house.

'I sent in a physical copy of the novel rather than a Word doc., banking on the fact no-one would wordcount it. It would stand on its own merits.'

I sent in a physical copy of the novel rather than a Word doc., banking on the fact no-one would wordcount it. It would stand on its own merits, and either feel the right length for itself or not. As it happens, it was the right length for itself.

'You baulk at the term ‘networking’ and think it’s somehow shabby. It’s about getting to know people. Collaboration and trust are key. '

You baulk at the term ‘networking’ and think it’s somehow shabby. It’s about getting to know people. If you were a producer or director, wouldn’t you want to work with someone you’ve already met and hopefully liked? Collaboration and trust are key.