I started writing novels (proper ones) when I was 15. I have written 11 books with varying genres. The genres are: Non-Fiction Crime (6), Fiction Crime/Thrillers (4) and Philosophy (1). I would like to share with you what I have learnt while writing these books; just little tips and hints that might help you out.

1. Research is a must. You want your book to sound as real as possible to the reader. Depending on what genre you decide to write, will determine what type of research you need to do and how much of it. For example; if you decide you want to write a Fiction Crime/Thriller book with court-hearings and crime scenes, you'll need to do your research of these events. You'll need to know how the court systems work and their structure and as for crime scenes, you'll need to learn a bit about some real ones too. Last thing you want is to end up with a final product that has 'as if' court-hearings and 'iffy' crime scenes. I did my research, do yours.

2. Whichever genre you decide to take on, read some preexisting books in that genre first before you even pick up a pen. I'm not saying read a Bryce Courtney book, and then copy his style, I'm saying get a feel for the genre so you know exactly what you're in for.

3. Before you even start writing your book, plan it. I always write down a plot and plan each chapter of my book. You need to write down key events that will impact the whole book (eg. if the main characters only living parent dies or a killer is set free, anything like that). Write down any twists and turns the book may encounter because I can tell you right now, when writing your own books, you can confuse yourself something chronic!

4. Don't over-use descriptive words! I've been guilty of this before and I've had to go back to the beginning and edit the whole book! It's always great to use big descriptive words that make you sound smart but over-use them and the reader will put your book down, as fast as they picked it up! Also, try not to repeat a descriptive word twice or more on the same page, that includes similar descriptive words (eg. "He was horrified" and "it was even more horrifying than he first thought"). Be careful with those descriptive words!

I think they are the main points I wished to share. If I can think of any more, I'll let you know! Anyway, use that info however you please and I hope you have learnt something you didn't already know or think of.