'Bil-Pinna u l-Klamar - 200 spunt dwar il-kitba kreattiva u t-tħejjija ta' manuskritt għall-pubblikazzjoni'

Author: Antoinette Borg

Publisher: Merlin Publishers / 2026

Pages: 108

After years spent reading, learning, writing and experimenting across different literary genres, Antoinette Borg is now sharing what she has learned in a new ebook published by Merlin Publishers: Bil-Pinna u l-Klamar - 200 spunt dwar il-kitba kreattiva u t-tħejjija ta' manuskritt għall-pubblikazzjoni.

The ebook brings together concise observations, ideas and practical suggestions intended for anyone interested in writing, particularly those who are considering writing for the first time or have only just started. Divided into 40 themes, the book explores different aspects of the craft, including creativity and imagination, character creation, story structure, setting, narrative voice and editing.

Alongside the writing tips and reflections, the ebook also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the editorial process works and the journey a manuscript goes through before reaching readers. This section is intended to give aspiring authors a clearer idea of what they can expect when submitting a manuscript for publication.

Borg emphasises that the book does not offer a formula, magical or otherwise, for good writing. "These are not absolute rules," she explains in the introduction, "but suggestions based on good practice which every writer can adapt according to their own style and particular needs."

Written in a clear, accessible and direct style, Bil-Pinna u l-Klamar is designed both as a practical guide that readers can easily revisit for reference, as well as a source of encouragement for those who sometimes struggle with self-doubt during the creative process. Rather than adopting an academic or prescriptive tone, the book takes a more personal and reflective approach, shaped by real experiences within the worlds of creative writing and publishing. Alongside the more technical aspects of the craft, Borg shares thoughts about the harsher realities writers may face - what to do when the words will not come, when discouragement creeps in, or when a piece of work simply has to be discarded and rewritten from scratch. All this gives the book a human dimension rarely found in guides of this kind.

Borg has been active within the literary scene since 2015, when she set aside her career in finance to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a writer. Since then, she has published over 20 books, including both original works and translations, for readers of different ages. Her work has received several literary nominations and awards, while her writing has become known for its accessible style and distinctive voice.

Speaking about the spirit in which the book was written, Borg says: "When I first started writing, I wished I had a guide like this - not to tell me what to write, but to help me better understand the mechanics of creative writing and the realities of the publishing world. I wish someone had told me then that certain mistakes are normal, that certain doubts are universal, and that perfect writing does not exist. For the past few years I have also been working with a publishing house, which means I have the privilege of experiencing both sides of the manuscript. Bil-Pinna u l-Klamar is an attempt to share with others what I have learned throughout my journey in the world of publishing."

Bil-Pinna u l-Klamar was published with the support of the Malta Book Fund 2024 administered by the National Book Council.

The ebook is available for purchase at a subsidised price directly from the publishers' website, www.merlinpublishers.com