Creative Questions

Although I offer a full editing service, sometimes that's more than you need. Perhaps you have a specific question related to your creative writing, and just wish you had someone knowledgeable who would listen and give friendly feedback, or discuss a topic over a coffee. Well, I've been doing that on request for a couple of years, but wanted to make it it easier for people to book my time, so here we are: Creative Questions! Something affordable and focussed that won't break the bank, but also doesn't lead to information overload. My goal is to offer something I would have found useful early on in my writing career.

Process

Pay the fee of £30, and I'll get in touch with you. If you want to discuss things in advance then feel free to email me: karl@karldrinkwater.uk

You'll send me details of the topic you're interested in or questions you have, probably along with some work it relates to. Note that this is a focussed service, so I'm thinking you might send the equivalent of a poem or two, a short story, the chapter of a book, an author bio or book blurb, a plot outline, or whatever other short thing you're working on that goes with your question. No full novels, please!

I'll read the sample and ponder your topic, then arrange for a chat. If you are local to Dumfries (Scotland) we could meet in a cafe to chat over coffee. If you aren't local, or just prefer online, then we'll arrange some form of video chat. Either way, I consider it to be an informal conversation between friends, providing focussed feedback, helpful suggestions, and inspiring ideas. Like any chat, it could lead to other creative-related questions and topics, and I'll do my best to advise! You can bounce ideas off me, pick my brains, get advice and encouragement, and discuss publishing or technique.

Examples of past questions and topics I've discussed with people:

• "I've written multiple versions of a poem: which one is best? And how could any good bits from the other versions be combined into the best version?"
• "I'm entering this writing competition (link). Can you look at my submission and give me any tips to make it stronger?"
• "I've been told this story has too much telling and not enough showing, have you got any advice?"
• "I want to put together a short story collection and would like your advice on the stages involved, and topics like selecting the best stories, and what order to put them in."
• "I'm trying to come up with a compelling author bio, can you read the ones I've drafted out and advise?"
• "I'm going to perform some of my work at a local event: please could I read it out to you first, so you can let me know what you think?"
• "I'm thinking about the publication and distribution options for the book I'm working on, and it would be handy to see if I'm being realistic or not."
• "I really have trouble with organising all the material related to a book. Argh! Any advice to make it easier to keep on top of the project? Someone mentioned versioning?"

Why Choose Me?

My main editing page has more information on my background, plus feedback from clients. Basically, I make my living from writing and editing books, as well as running popular creative writing sessions and occasionally mentoring budding creatives.

FAQ

"Hey, Karl, I love in Dumfries. Can I just meet you and pay in cash?"
Sure. Just send me an email and we'll sort it out. :-)

"What kind of coffee?"
Erm, any, really. I often pick Americano with soya, or an espresso. But it could be tea. Or water. Yeah, we should all drink more water. (Subliminal message there.) Really, the idea of the coffee is an aspirational image that ties together connotations of relaxation and excitement, to tempt your senses into giving me money. Ooops, that's foiled my literary device. This is turning into a villain's soliloquy.