Publication Tips with Hannah Adam

I was over the moon to be a recipient of a KSP Fellowship. It renewed my confidence in my work and made me feel like a ‘real’ writer.  

I decided to use my time to focus on the fifth draft of my young adult fantasy novel. I had received feedback from beta readers and was keen to implement those changes. With the great stretches of time afforded to me that I did not normally have, I was able to fully immerse myself in my world. Spending hours upon hours in the heads of my two POV characters, I felt their voices really come to life, and as I implemented the feedback, I saw their stories tighten into something that resembles a ‘real’ book.

With no distractions but the beautiful scenery through my window, my fifth draft really started to take shape.  

When I needed to take a step away from the writing and recalibrate my brain, a walk through the national park was just the thing. Listening to the birds sing, to the leaves rustling in the wind, to my own footsteps beating a rhythm, was the perfect break to meditate, relax and get my body moving.

With hardly anyone else around you could almost believe you’d left the city and were immersed in the bush. At night, after I was well and truly all written out, I would curl up with a good book, to be filled with inspiration for the next day.  

Staying at KSP also brought the perk of being around other writers. Attending writing groups always left me inspired to get back to my laptop and my novel, the excitement of talking writing with others contagious. Inspiring too were the chats I had with my fellow Fellow Fiona. Our evening chats overlooking the setting sun were a highlight.  

Top Ten Tips 

1. You can’t edit a blank page. Get that first draft done!  

2. Find your people. You’ll never feel more inspired then after chatting with fellow writers.  

3. Feedback is there to help you. It may hurt but work through the pain. 

4. Also know what feedback is and isn’t relevant to you. You know your story best.  

5. Set yourself goals. And make them realistic.  

6. Try to be consistent and not spend too long away from your writing. 

7. Be patient. Like any skill, it takes time and practice to become a good writer. Even longer to become an excellent one! 

8. Write what you want to write! It will show on the page if you are excited about your story or not.  

9. Reading is just as important as writing. But read like a writer. 

10. Enjoy it! No point in spending hours doing something you hate.  

BIO: Hannah grew up in Perth devouring books. She began writing in 2013 and has been balancing her writing journey with her day job as a high school chemistry teacher. She enjoys writing fantasy stories for young adults with strong female characters, unique magic systems and surprising twists.

Hannah can be found at @hannahwritesnovels