how I write #1: Roald Dahl

This is an occasional series about a fascinating subject- the methods and quirks each writer employs to help them write. First off- master storyteller Roald Dahl.

"Note every idea in the idea book when it comes.

Good situations are hard to come by: ie. ‘what about a chocolate factory run by a mad man that makes marvelous things?’

The test of a strong situation is it gathers momentum towards the end.

In the book make the reader:

1. laugh out loud belly laughs
2. squirm
3. become enthralled
4. become tense and excited and say do read please do read on!

All books need extremely nasty people and some nice people. It is great fun to see the nasty people getting scrunched."

He wrote from 10.30am to 12.00am

And from 4pm to 6pm.

Did his post in bed.

Not exactly the nine to five is it?