“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout with some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.”––George Orwell

Over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing some amazing authors. Each one different, but all equally fascinating. However, I always end my interviews with the same question, namely, what’s your advice to anyone thinking of writing a book or taking up writing? So, this month, I thought I’d take some of those fabulous responses and put them here, in one helpful, and hopefully inspiring article.

The only advice that is guaranteed to be correct is to pick up your pen and begin. Then you are a writer, whatever anyone says. ––Ross Greenwood

It’s a real cliché but read. Read in your genre and out of it and read thoughtfully… be persistent; be diligent; keep going. And good luck! ––Sarah Vaughan

Write every day. Set yourself a time and don’t agree to anything else at that time. Write before you do your chores because they will always get done while your writing will not. ––Susie Lynes

That’s simple – If you want to be a writer, write. If you put it off until you ‘have more time’ you’ll never put pen to paper. Stop procrastinating and make a start. You won’t regret it! ––Heidi Swain

Just write. If you need support, encouragement, and help, join a writing group, Whittlesey Wordsmiths have helped me enormously. ––Phillip Cumberland

The only advice that means anything is very simple; to write, you must write. I wasn’t a good writer when I began; in fact, I was terrible. But I did it, every day; I put down words and finished pieces that would never be read. ––Darren O’ Sullivan

Oh, as a writer prepare for rejections and 1star reviews that tell you how awful your book is… take it as valuable critique, then go and drink gin… lots of it! And best of all, welcome the lovely fellow writers and book bloggers you will meet who are so supportive and friendly. ––Gina Kirkham

Read as many books in the genre you want to write about as you can. If you don’t have a thick skin… develop one! You need to be able to accept constructive criticism, rejections as well as negative reviews. And finally, persevere! ––Noelle Holten

Writing a novel isn’t easy. I’d advise anyone thinking of becoming a writer to take a course in creative writing. And finally, work hard, persevere, and never give up. Dreams do come true. ––Kelly Florentia

The main thing is, never give up. You WILL experience many rejections and setbacks. The journey is likely to be long. But every single writer who has a book in a shop didn’t give up. ––Louise Beech

My first experience of writing was very lonely and isolating. I found the balance for this by setting up a creative writing group. Through them, I have met like-minded people and received support and encouragement. ––Wendy Fletcher

Writing is just like anything else we do – the more you do it, the better you become. Never give up. ––David Videcette