1. Don’t try and be like your favourite author - be you; your voice needs to be individual.
2. Remember it’s all about the reader. The best piece of advice I was given was by my cousin Bella Pollen. When I was working on A Will To Win, she taught me so much, one thing being however sad a scene is, I must also always remember that I am writing to entertain. The reader wants to laugh and cry, and fall in love with the story and the characters.
3. Get an agent – buy The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook that lists all the literary agents and gives invaluable advice.
4. I think research is key. To write with authority, for me I need to research thoroughly – plus it’s something I enjoy. I can be so nosy about people!
5. Try and write 1000 words a day, just to keep the flow going, have plenty of patience and discipline, but above all just enjoy it – and that will reflect in your work.
Alice's book TEN YEARS ON is out now.
