Putting it in writing

Everybody seems to be writing a book. We all have a story to tell, whether it is a memoir, a story that we dreamt one night, something that we thought of since school days or just wanting to share your thoughts on life with the world. With the advent of self-publishing and e-books, anyone can now be published and not depend on the whim of a publishing house, who have been known to make major decision blunders in the past by rejecting authors who works have gone on to be regarded as classics of literature or just plain bestsellers with no literary merit whatsoever. Be that as it may, the important thing is that there is now a platform for those who wish to make their voices heard and we may have the opportunity to discover new and talented authors in our midst. Although you may never achieve bestselling status, your success will be in having actually done what you wanted to - become an author.

The best way to do this is to begin with good old-fashioned pen and paper. The act of writing by hand somehow draws the words out from the heart and it is widely regarded as being cathartic to release feelings of distress and anxiety through writing them down and then burning the paper. This is particularly beneficial if done every day, first thing in the morning while the anxieties that have kept you awake are fresh in your mind. Many of you will be familiar with this - it's known as doing your morning pages - and even if you don't have any worries, you can fill two pages with any thoughts that come to mind and then burn them, in readiness for a fresh start every day.

If you are one of those who dreams of being an author, don't let anyone discourage you. Believe in your own ability and be true to yourself. Don't slog it out according to some established formula or plan - you don't need to write like a Mills & Boon novel; you must just ensure that your grammar, spelling and punctuation are up to scratch. Whatever you have to say, let it come out the way you think it. That is your real voice, and it may be the one the world is waiting for.

And with that, it's back to work...