How to write books good – Derek Landy

Plenty of insight dressed with humour:

“Thinking up the idea:

• Think of an idea.
• Lie in bed and think about the idea some more.
• Dismiss idea.
• …”

and here:

“Thinking up the character:

• …
• Look at the name you’ve picked. Realise “Johnny Rockjaw” sounds made-up.
• Decide on a name. Decide name is fine.
• Write character. Character is fine.
• Character does what character is supposed to do.
• At halfway point, character rebels.
• Character starts telling you stuff…”