Tim Bowler workshop

Inspiration in the shape of Tim Bowler, came to West Moors on 4 October when the famous author visited the Writers’ Study.

With thirteen teenage novels on the bookshelves and winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal, Tim gave an insight into how he became so successful.

“I am driven to write,” he said, “and in the early days could often be found at the computer at 4am before I went to work.”

Even so, his first novel was a long time in the making, “It took about ten years to write,” he said.  “You have to be prepared to go the distance and you must connect with your reader at all times.”  

When it comes to editing, Tim says: “It requires a certain amount of perfectionism.  I spend about a quarter of my time writing a novel and three-quarters honing it. Honing is the most important part.  I recommend you read your work out aloud, it’s a good way to pick up on mistakes and repetition.  You can also cut unnecessary adjectives and adverbs.  The power of a story comes from verbs and nouns.”

He referred to writers as people who quarry words and who are able to transcend the commonplace and create something magical, “It’s putting physical shape to your inner life,” he says. “Everyone has a magic of their own.”

Of criticism, he said, “Other people can offer advice and if it’s useful: use it.  If it’s not: move on.  You are your toughest critic and the most important one.”

He then supplied excellent critiques on a dozen pieces of work submitted by the group before signing copies of his books. 

His most recent novel, ‘Blood Child’ was published in September.