Have you always wanted to write a novel? Do you see the story in your head but find yourself uncapable of getting it all out on paper?

Unlike screenplays, there are no budget constraints in a book. You can write, “The entire solar system exploded, planet at a time,” as easily as you can write, “a leaf fell from the tree.”

Before computers and all the software that lets a writer technologically storyboard his or her novel in Excel or other "trackers," ...

What are some simple tricks to add instant personality to a minor character? Here are four techniques pros use to add a special touch to a character who's there to serve a function and not much else.

Truly great characters have an innate consistency that can only come from knowing the character's inner workings. Spend the time developing the spine. Your characters will be better differentiated.

Pick a date you want to hold the first copy of your novel

This is the first of a 3-part mini-series by Sherry-Anne - in the next couple of weeks, look forward to tips on handling 'middles' and 'ends' as well!

You see a lot of articles about writing, which will try to depress you with tales about 'writer's block', which is supposed to occur sometimes in the middle of a book.

The beginning of a book sells that particular story. The ending of the same book not only sends your reader away satisfied with a 'good read', but can also sell more books for you in future.

You can learn a lot about what it takes to place a story in an ezine by starting up one of your own.