Stephen Jardine's top tips to get started
Most writers would agree, there is nothing scarier than a blank sheet of paper. But with fear, comes opportunity. "The Book That Changed My Life" gives you the chance to share with others an experience they might so far have been denied.
The essence of this project is to encourage reading and to underline the potency of the written word. So a book that changed your life could be a philosophical tract with a new approach to common understanding. But it might equally be a travel book that encouraged a spirit of adventure which led to a different path from the one chosen by your careers advisor. Or it could be more mundane. Perhaps you read "Lassie" as a child and ended up buying a dog in later life. And don't shy away from the dark. Maybe the book you choose helped you overcome something particularly difficult or upsetting.
So how to begin? Don't be put off by the empty page or the flashing cursor on the computer screen. Every story has to begin somewhere. Instead focus on the book you want to share and the feeling it gave you. With that passion, the words will follow. You are not writing to impress, so don't assume your chosen text has to be Dostoyevsky. It might be... but it could equally be the Haynes Ford Mondeo manual.
Start at the beginning. How did you hear about the book? When did it first enter your consciousness? Then just be honest. Most of the people reading your submission won't know you or ever get to meet you so don't be afraid to open up on the page.
Try to capture the emotion and passion you feel for the book. Use words that are comfortable and familiar to you because they will more accurately share what you want to say. When did you realise the book had changed your life?
Also, try to give real examples of how it has changed the way you think about people or situations. That makes it much easier for people to relate to your recommendation.
Everyone could suggest the same book or there could be thousands of quite different proposals. There are no rules; it is completely and utterly personal.
Good luck!
Stephen
Stephen Jardine presents THE HOUR on STV, Monday to Friday between 5pm and 6pm
