I get lots of emails from aspiring novelists asking for advice, so have put together a few tips that may help. Don’t let that stop you contacting me though!

1. Ditch the excuses.
I’ve loads of sympathy for anyone who has a house to clean, kids to entertain, a bedroom to decorate, gym membership to use and legs to wax – because, honestly, I’ve been there. Distractions are (still) my biggest enemy. If you want to succeed, either offload them onto a supportive family member or don’t bother with them at all (apart from the kids, obviously!).

2. Read.
Lots of the genre of fiction you want to write and become thoroughly absorbed in it. Moreover, change the way you read; analyse the structure of the story, the characterisation, the dialogue. Take inspiration, but never copy.

3. Plan.
Don’t write your first chapter until you know what happens in your last. I know lots of brilliant writers don’t do this, but for me, it was the only way I ever got past chapter three without getting in a muddle and giving up. Write down all your main characters’ traits – good and bad - and detail the journey you’re going to take them on.  This might feel arduous, but it will give you a far better chance of reaching the end.

4. Give your book a soundtrack.
Listen to music and take inspiration. It doesn’t matter whether it’s P Diddy or Dolly Parton – as long as it puts you in the mood.

5. Buy a book about novel-writing.
I read Celia Brayfield’s Bestseller and found it invaluable. Since, I’ve read Stephen King’s On Writing and feel its improved the way I write enormously. It could be the best eight pounds you ever spend.

6. Re-write it and re-write it until you think it’s perfect.
Then re-write it again.

7. Be prepared for rejection.
I sent off the manuscript for Bridesmaids to a handful of agents. One said the idea was great but my execution terrible. Another said my idea was awful but the execution great. Both said no thanks. Fortunately, super-agent Darley Anderson liked it and agreed to take me on. I‘ve felt lucky every day since.

8. Write as often as possible.
Even if it’s just for half an hour a day.  If you leave too long between sessions, you’ll lose momentum.

9. Don’t assume it’s all fun:
Writing novels beats any day job - but not always. On the days when you’re feeling less than creative, it’s torturous. Which brings me to my next point. . .

Just do it:
I know someone said that somewhere before, but it’s so true when it comes to writing a novel. Don’t think about it too much or you’ll end up with a headache. Just write. If what you produce isn’t up to scratch, it doesn’t matter; you can (in fact will) go back to re-write it. Get something down on paper – because you’ve got to start somewhere.