Bestselling author and screenwriter reveals secrets of writing success
- Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Anthony Horowitz visited Roehampton to answer questions and share his writing tips with students
The bestselling author of the Alex Rider series, Sherlock Holmes and James Bond continuation books, detective novels, and creator of much-loved TV programmes, Midsomer Murders and Foyle’s War, visited the University on Wednesday 10 October for an in-conversation event followed by questions and answers, a book signing and lunch.
Horowitz discussed his opinions with students on various literary thoughts and professional matters, from the relationship between literature and commerce, to the challenges of writing James Bond continuation novels in the age of #MeToo, and whether good grammar is important in order to be a writer. Revealing that he wrote his first play at age 10, he advised students who wanted to write not to stop trying and that being published is not the be-all and end-all of success.
Drawing parallels between himself writing novels and students writing essays, he explained that he manages multiple writing projects by keeping them separate, and not writing two different things on the same day to prevent the characters creeping into the wrong books.
Dr Mary Shannon said ‘events like this enrich our students’ experience, and offer a unique insight into literature. Our students get the chance to ask questions they have perhaps been debating in class; Anthony Horowitz told them how much he envied them being able to study here. It is very special for them to be able to walk away with a signed copy of a book having met the author: a great memory from their time at Roehampton!’
Find out more about studying English and Creative Writing at Roehampton