To write is a labor of love. You will sit at a table or desk, looking into a computer screen, and wondering where you will start and what you will write about. You will probably have some idea of the story you wish to write and now, looking at that screen, you will probably have forgotten what it was or how to start it. Just sit and start writing anything, a load of rubbish works well. When you have finished, your fingers have warmed up and your creative juices are flowing, go to a new page. At the top write Chapter One and away you go.

I was asked the other day how long it takes to write a novel. I told them that everyone is different but with the happenings of every day life, unless you dedicate yourself, you can bank on at least a year. Then you have all the editing and re-writes, choosing a name for your masterpiece, book cover and publisher. It all takes time so do not rush it. That is when expensive mistakes can happen.

You may also find that you become more withdrawn. When writing you are immersed in the life of your hero and his friends. People outside of this, it really is a friendship you develop on the page, do not know that you are walking around planning what is going to happen to your new friend next. They will just think you have a lot on your mind and leave you out of the conversation. Fine by me. My new friend knows everything and is good company. I can sit quietly by myself. When I get home then all the thoughts that have worked themselves out, new action that needs to happen, will all get written down and the book progresses.

The other thing you will find is that you start people watching. This is when your significant other will say something. “You are with me so stop ogling that woman or man.” Try to focus on the person without staring. Watch their mannerisms, the way they walk, sit, stand and how their face moves when they talk. Ignore what they are saying but listen to their voice and how their eyes light up when they smile.

You might wonder why you people watch. What a waste of time you think, but remember. You are now an author, budding perhaps, but still an author. You are writing your first book and when you are people watching, you are actually still writing your book. Sounds crazy weird right? But think. To move your story along, you have to have a person drinking in a café, walking down the street or sitting watching the tv. You need to describe them. Cast your mind back. How about the guy you watched in the supermarket. He will work for the café guy. The woman leaving the parking lot will be a perfect fit for the person walking down the street. The guy sat eating lunch is perfect to be watching tv. You have these people in your minds eye so you do not need to struggle to invent a person. You have people watched and brought them home to your pages.