Ali Sparkes - author

Want to be a writer?
Here are some of Ali Sparkes’ top tips for getting started…

Always try to make your first line or paragraph unusual or interesting to get the attention of someone who’s just idly picked it up. Compare ‘In the year of 1837, a young man of upright bearing advanced along a greystone terrace of elderly buildings, with a manuscript under one arm. He was assailed by John and Michael McCroney…’ with ‘A gritty lump of ice struck Peter Baker on the head as he walked along with his papers. It knocked his glasses off and made him yelp. A few yards away, a head disappeared around the doorway of one of the old greystone terraces and he could hear mean, high pitched tittering. Obviously the McCrony brothers had found him again…’
Get dialogue going quite quickly. It’s easier to get into a book when somebody starts talking. How about: ‘Oy! Baker! Catch!’ Before Peter Baker could even look up a gritty, freezing missile struck his temple. The McCroney brothers were back. ‘Aw – he missed!’ one of them sniggered. ‘Throw him another one!’
Do work on good description BUT don’t over-do it. Not many people want to read three pages of description, however lovely, before they get on with the story.
Try to avoid using clichés to describe things - ie: instead of saying ‘Scared to death’ think of a way to really describe how you felt. Eg: ‘I felt my stomach clench and my hands start to shake, while a feeling of panic seemed to rise up in my throat’. Spend time thinking hard about exactly what it is you want your reader to understand, and play around with the words until you think you’re getting it across.
Use your own experiences. Use your imagination, of course, but also write about things you know about. This makes your writing ring true, and that’s really important.
Don’t guess at things. If there’s something factual about your story, check it – through your library, teachers, parents or the Internet (with a parent or teacher’s help!) and make sure it’s accurate. Why not do it properly? Research can be great fun.
Get someone you trust to check it through for any mistakes (but don’t let them re-write it for you!).
Above all ENJOY IT! Good writing should make you feel like you are flying!