Charlotte Randall - Tutor: Write a Novel

Q. How did you become a writer? Tell us a bit about your development as a writer.
 

I always wanted to write and used to do it even when I was a child. One day I realised I had to start something serious - and did. It took me a long time to finish my first novel and I couldn’t get it published until I won a national manuscript prize.

Q: What has been your greatest writing achievement?
 

Keeping at it in spite of setbacks and producing my six published novels.

Q. How do you decide what to write about? Where do you get ideas?
 

My ideas come from all over the place: other books, television, movies, people I meet, trips I go on etc.

I’m always thinking about what to include in a novel. Usually there isn’t just one big idea, but a whole series of smaller ones, many of which are quite serendipitous and just come as a result of working regularly and conscientiously.

Q. How easy is it to make a living as a writer?
 

It’s very difficult. I couldn’t have had a writing career without the financial support of my husband and Creative New Zealand.

Q. What general advice would you give aspirant writers/journalists just starting out?
 

You have to be prepared to work hard and to persevere through rejection and criticism.

While writing usually starts off as a hobby for most people, in the end you can’t really treat it that way, especially if you want to be published on a regular basis.

Q: What do you consider to be the most important writing tip you ever received?
 

Don’t try to swallow the whole elephant. Eat it mouthful by mouthful.

Q: When you mark your students' work, what are key qualities you look for in their work?
 

That they’ve thoroughly read and understood the module and truly made an effort.

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