Oliver Swift is a young writer. He lives in the rural East Midlands.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Don’t listen to the doubters.
Are there any writing resources such as books or websites you’d like to recommend?
Stephen King’s On Writing is a must read.
If you could go back and find yourself five years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
Get your ideas written up as soon as possible, select publishing sites carefully and then try to get published as soon as you can.
What is your favourite type of fiction and who are your favourite authors?
I like a variety of genres but mostly horror and thrillers. My favourite authors are Stephen King and John Grisham.
How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
If I’m happy with what I’ve written and then someone publishes it, that counts as a success to me.
What tips do you have for finding time to write?
Prioritise your writing and don’t let distractions get in the way.
Are you an outliner or a discovery writer?
A bit of both. I’ll have the general elements in my head but I work out a lot of the details as I’m going.
Were you taught anything about creative writing in high school or college that just didn’t work for you?
That it was essential that you go to university and get a degree to have any success in writing.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
To write my first novel.
What book are you reading right now?
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham.
