FAQ’s - The 10 most frequently asked.

If you have others, make contact on patricia@patriciaoreilly.net and I’ll come back to you with the answers.

Q: I would like to write. How do I begin?

A: Start writing. Anything.   If you have an idea, write it down. It’s enormously beneficial to plan. Structure your plot; know your characters; and chose good locations. You can plan on scraps of paper, file cards, whiteboards. If you don’t have an idea – write anything. Given time, sense will emerge. First draft is written from the heart.

Q: Can everyone write?

A: I’ve never met anyone who wanted to write who could not write; I’ve met a lot of people who wanted to write but who would not write. Most people who really want to write and who are passionate about it have an initial natural ability which becomes honed by practice. Writing is a matter of putting one word after another.

Q: Are Writing Courses helpful?

A: Yes. A good writing course, run by a convenor who is an experienced writer with a body of published work can be of enormous assistance to the emerging writer.

Q: What do you do when you’ve written your story?

A: If possible, put it away for a while; then take it out and re-work it. Most stories benefit from editing. Like all aspects of writing, editing improves with practice.

Q: How do you get published?

A: Research the market. Look at list of Irish publishers listed in my ‘Writing for Success’; ask to see their list and make sure your piece fits into their schedule. Then present your manuscript according to their requirements, again listed in ‘Writing for Success’ and / or available on publishers’ own websites.

Q: Do I need an agent?

A: The good news is that the majority of Irish publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts. But if you are not familiar with the business of writing, such as contracts, advances etc, you are better employing an agent.

Q: How long does it take to get a book published?

A: About 18 months from time of publisher’s acceptance of your manuscript.

Q: I’ve a great idea for a book. Will you write it?

A: No. If it’s that great, you write it. Most professional writers have more ideas than they will ever have time to write.

Q: What’s your favourite medium?

A: Whatever I’m working on at that moment.

On-Line Tutoring - Professional Help for Writers

On-Line Tutoring has been set up to meet demand. There is an abundance of writing talent. The majority of people know how to write their first draft and write it well but without experience few have the necessary skills to bring their work to the standard required by publishers, editors and producers.

If you are interested in bringing your work to professional standards, initially submit:

By e-mail to patricia@patriciaoreilly.net 500 words ‘polished’ to best of your ability – stating whether short story, novel, play etc. 

If it is considered that your piece has potential, you will be invited to avail of On-Line Tutoring which consists of editing, market analysis, presentation and suggested outlets for your work.

All communication is by e-mail and for a fixed fee.