Gareth Rowe is author of ‘The Only Way’, published by Dernier back in 2011. As this was his first book (since then he has been doing accountancy exams but may start a sequel soon!) I thought he might have some helpful advice for other first-time writers. He responded with the following, which I hope you will enjoy as a change from my ramblings: 🙂
1) Believe in your story. I’ve written so many things that I’ve just left on the computer or in a box in the loft. It usually takes a prod from a good friend to get me to finish anything or send it off.
2) Write for yourself.  If you love what you’re writing, others will love it too.
3) Write for your target audience. Yes I know this seems to contradict tip number two but an empathic imagination is important. Writing isn’t self-indulgence – it’s communication… and anyway the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like little children…
Cheers,
Gareth
Let us know what you think!
And PS, you can buy this book from any local shop or online retailer. If you’d like to know more about ‘The Only Way’, you can read an extract and the blurb by clicking here.