Elliot Sweeney: 'Write the stories that you want to tell rather than those you think will sell'
BY Katie Smart
31st Jan 2023
Elliot Sweeney was awarded a scholarship to study on our Writing Your Novel – Three Months course in 2018. After the course he gained representation from Curtis Brown agent Gordon Wise. His debut crime novel The Next to Die is to be published by Wildfire, 2 Feb 2023.
Elliot talks about his time studying with us, the inspiration behind his debut and how to write about sensitive issues with care, humour and an awareness of the clichés to avoid.
You studied on our London-based Writing Your Novel – Three Months course in 2018. How did your time on the course impact your approach to writing?
The course was a game-changer. It immersed me in a world where people took writing seriously. Just entering the CB premises and being in the environment was a buzz; and then meeting peers, agents, writers, editors, and learning how it’s all enmeshed changed everything.
What was the best piece of advice you received from tutor Charlotte Mendelson?
‘High stakes!’ Charlotte urged us to raise the tension wherever possible. That phrase stuck.
After the course you gained representation from Curtis Brown agent Gordon Wise. When did you know that Gordon was the right agent for you?
Gordon was kind enough to come and meet us during the course. As well as having a breadth of industry knowledge and editorial skill, he was easy to chat with and I could totally envisage working with him. He was my first CB agent of choice, and I was thrilled when he offered representation.
Your debut novel The Next to Die is to be published by Wildfire, 2 Feb 2023. It follows ex-cop Dylan Kasper as he investigates the tragic death of a troubled young man, a case that reminds him of his own daughter’s suicide. Can you tell us a bit more about the novel and the inspiration behind it?
The novel fuses my love of pacey hardboiled fiction from the last century with a career in mental health nursing. Previously, I’d attempted two projects that had brick-walled: with hindsight, it was because I lacked the confidence in the subject matter. With The Next to Die, I knew I could speak with some authority.
I was keen to use the book to explore themes of mental ill health and trauma, particular amongst men. Although all the characters are fictitious, most are amalgamations of people I’ve encountered through work.
Do you have any advice for writers dealing with sensitive topics such as suicide and mental health issues?
Avoid cliché and stereotypes. As a mental health professional these are the things that leave a sour taste and indicate that the writer hasn’t done their homework. Also, don’t shy away from injecting some humour into the prose. Although these can feel like heavy topics, there will be space for it somewhere.
What does a typical writing day look like for you?
I’m a power-writer, and grab opportunities whenever I can, be it morning or night, in between the day job and being a dad. When I’m working on a first draft, I aim for a thousand words a day, and am very strict about that; then the editing begins.
I have learned through hard-won experience that it’s best to outline first. This provides the skeleton for where the plot is headed. Some writers (pantsers) will write without knowing the outcome. I’ve tried this. It went nowhere.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with the aspiring authors reading this?
Write the stories that you want to tell rather than those you think will sell – your enjoyment will come through in the prose and make the creative process so much more enjoyable for you.
And find other like-minded writers whose opinions you trust. Writing is a solitary vocation and can be a lonely one too. We need others to share work with and to keep us getting trapped in our heads.
You were the winner of our HW Fisher Novel-Writing Scholarship, what advice would you give to those thinking of applying to a scholarship, or similar opportunity for under-represented writers?
Due to my personal circumstances at the time, I would not have been able to do the Curtis Brown writing course without the scholarship. I was doubtful of my chances, but figured there was nothing to lose by applying, and am so glad I did. I’ve learned that the publishing world is calling out for writers from all walks of life, and Curtis Brown Creative and others are actively seeking new voices. Go for it!
Pre-order your copy of The Next to Die.
Applications for Charlotte Mendelson’s next London-based Writing Your Novel – Three Months are open now. Course begins 18 Apr.