Time to Write

Cambridge Creative Writing Company, 2023

Have you always wanted to write a novel?

Emily Winslow will help you develop the mindset and skills to get you started, keep you going, and see you through. Time to Write is a creative writing guide aimed at anyone who wants to write a novel and could use some support.

Have you always wanted to write a novel?

Emily Winslow will help you develop the mindset and skills to get you started, keep you going, and see you through. Time to Write is a creative writing guide aimed at anyone who wants to write a novel and could use some support.

It contains 49 lessons, each easy to read and packed with insights based on experience. Emily has taken her own work to high levels with major publishers, and has learned from teaching at Cambridge University what makes students light up and what makes their work drastically, excitingly improve.

This book is full of encouragement, recognizing and affirming different work styles. It’s a total handbook, teaching a broad range of specific writing skills with insight and clarity as well as covering topics around writing in-depth, such as how to give and take critique and how to evaluate publishers and agents.

It’s time to write the stories inside you.

FROM THE FIRST PAGE:

IN APRIL OF 2020, I was asked to appear as a guest on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. With lockdown in full swing, people were home, and many had time on their hands. The host wanted to tap into the positive message of “Now might be the time to write that novel!” She invited me as one of two novelists to give advice.

The other writer, a fellow crime novelist, had a message that emphasized planning and discipline. It clearly works well for her, and I hope that those who needed that nudge heard it joyfully. It’s certainly an appealing message that’s exciting to project into the future: if I write 500 words each day, I can finish my novel in six months! If I write 1000 words a day, I could be done in three months!

I had a very different suggestion: Rest. Daydream.

This is because there are lots of steps to writing a book, and writing is only one of them. Daydreaming, brainstorming, and what-iffing are parts of an essential foundation that counts as a form of progress. Mid-project stages of analyzing what you’ve already written, wrestling with plot problems, and imag- ining the consequences of various character actions can count as progress. Imagining your own success—what you hope re- viewers or prize-givers will one day say about your work—helps you crystallize what you’re trying to do. Stimulating your imagination with inspiring examples, and even getting some distance and perspective away from your project, can all be forms of progress.

Sadly, work that doesn’t involve a keyboard or pen often goes unrecognized. When people dismiss the value of non- writing forms of work, they often berate themselves, calling themselves lazy when they’ve failed to add to their wordcount. Then, commonly, shame makes them want to avoid the project and perpetuates the not-writing rather than jump-starting the writing they desire.

And when people dismiss the value of the non-writing forms of work, they can easily miss the gifts they contain. If daydreaming has been “doing nothing” then its fruits go unexamined and unused. Where is your imagination leading you? Pay attention! There are treasures there, and necessary rest.

By no means am I against self-discipline. It’s necessary too. There’s a part of every project—sometimes a large part— where inspiration isn’t enough, and progress can only be made by sheer will and an external deadline. But our culture is already steeped in that fact. In my experience as a teacher, student writers already know they need self-discipline, and they’re skilled at guilt and apology.

So, I encourage daydreaming! Not because daydreaming alone is enough, but because our culture is already skewed toward the necessary value of discipline. We need balance be- tween the two, and for most that means discovering the value of daydreaming with relief and gusto.

REVIEWS

Readers are saying:

“A must-read”
“Five stars isn’t enough”
“Bite-sized masterclasses”
“A complete writing guide full of sparks and insights”
“This book is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity”

“If you have a dream in your heart to write, this book is for you. If you value writing for personal enjoyment, this book is for you. If you love books and reading and want to develop your understanding of writing craft, then this book is for you, too.

Emily Winslow has given us a gift: a gift of rest, daydreaming and of course, writing. You’ll learn writing skills, storytelling skills and technical skills. You’ll learn how to get started, face the messy middle and explore ways to share your work with an audience. Not only did this book inspire my writing life, but it deepened my appreciation for my reading life, too.

The short chapters make the content accessible and the conversational voice makes you feel like your having a conversation with a trusted writing coach over a cup of coffee or tea. The lessons are practical, actionable and sure to move your writing forward.”

— Stephanie Affinito at A Lit Life

“In Time to Write, Emily Winslow steps in as a guiding light, offering a structured, compassionate approach to the world of writing.

One of the book’s standout features is its ability to speak to a diverse audience. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for a fresh perspective or someone just starting, Winslow’s words resonate. The testimonials from acclaimed authors like Sophie Hannah and Elizabeth Speller further solidify Winslow’s prowess as both a writer and an educator.

Time to Write is not just about putting words on paper; it’s also about introspection and personal growth. Writing is as much about understanding oneself as it is about crafting a narrative, and Winslow aptly weaves these themes together.

Time to Write is more than just a guidebook; it’s a mentor in paperback form. Emily Winslow doesn’t just teach you how to write; she empowers you to believe in your own voice and stories.”

— Michelle Cornish at michellecornish.com

“In my opinion, Time To Write is one of the best creative writing guides that I’ve come across, not merely because the author clearly knows what she is talking about, but because she is genuinely encouraging and enthusiastic. She explains that in most instances there are no hard and fast rules about writing – it’s your novel, you write it how you want to write it, but where there are rules she explains them and why they are important.

Even experienced writers with several successful titles under their belts will find something of useful interest in Time To Write. If you want to write, or need that extra nudge to keep writing, read this book.”

— Helen Hollick at Of History and Kings

“I binge read a book about writing! Seriously, I did. Who does that? What could be more unexciting than the verbiage in a writing book, especially when a stack of highly recommended novels sit on my bedside table waiting to be read? I picked it up, just to get a feel for what I was up against and thumbed through it. My eyes lit on the first page of chapter one, and I was hooked.

You don’t have to be writing a novel to learn from this book. There is something, many things, inside for every writer no matter where they/you are in their/your writing, publishing journey.

If you can only buy one book on writing, make it Time to Write.”

— Sandra Warren at Grateful Writer

“My original plan was to dip in and out of the book, maybe focusing on the areas that interested me most personally and professionally, but instead I found myself simply reading the whole book cover-to-cover. It was just all so interesting and so easy to read that I kept on turning the pages, eager to find more tips and advice along with entertaining practical examples.” — Steph Warren at Bookshine and Readbows

“What a wonderful book on writing this is! Author Emily Winslow takes you through every stage and aspect of writing a book. From gathering ideas to your writing technique to word choices to dialogue to everything else in between, she offers helpful tips to help you get out of your own way and write. What I loved the most was how friendly she was to the entire process. I never felt overwhelmed with advice or hard and fast rules. Definitely worth reading!” — Nicole Pyle at World of my Imagination

“This is the book that is meant to inspire and help you move forward through the complicated pathways of the writing life. Whether the reader needs the answer to a specific question or the wise encouragement of a teacher, this book is a great one to have beside the monitor, next to a reading chair, or some other spot close at hand.”— Sue Bradford Edwards at One Writer’s Journey

“Everything from getting started, technical and storytelling skills, down to publishing and getting your book and yourself out there are included in the book. There were several areas where the light bulb finally clicked on for me. It will be beside my desk while writing and referenced time and again.”—Judy H at Knotty Needle

“I often wonder if reading another craft book will help me on my writing journey. Sometimes I am disappointed, but in this case, I found a lot to love about “Time to Write” by Emily Winslow. I unearthed many tiny gems throughout. I recommend this book to any writer wherever you are on your writing journey.”—Linda Schueler at Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

“This exceeded my expectations – it’s easy to read, full of encouragement, and I feel like I have a clearer path forward now, and a lot more confidence than I used to.” — Liliyana Shadowlyn at The Faerie Review

Acclaimed, multipublished authors love Emily’s teaching:

“Emily Winslow is a uniquely brilliant teacher. I would highly recommend that anyone who cares about improving their writing follow her advice.” Sophie Hannah

“Emily has taught a range of students of all ages, nationalities, and experiences, from first timers to those already in the early stages of a writing career. Students blossom with the confidence she provides.” Elizabeth Speller

“This book is packed full of fantastic insights to ignite and stoke creative inspiration. Every teacher and student of creative writing will want it on their shelves.” Menna Van Praag

Popular life and business coach Kristen King recognizes the value of creative writing on mental health and self image:

“Emily’s insights skillfully draw out not just words and stories, but also self-awareness, perspective, and connection. Whether you’re working on a book-length project, dabbling in personal essay, or just trying to figure out who the hell you are, this book is a must-have for anyone who thinks their words and stories aren’t enough.”