This is the first in a series of articles looking at the essential things that all fiction writers need to develop. Some, like this first article, will be more about the attitude. Others will dive straight into practical tools. Each article will touch on why I believe they’re effective, and why you should use them. None of these are gospel. Take what works, mull it over, and try different variations until you find what works for you

It's a beautiful summer evening. A slight breeze is blowing. You would love to go outside and enjoy the day. Yet, you have a deadline for your current novel, so you're chained to the computer.

Here are nine simple tips to help keep you going when you find your motivation flagging.

Most successful novelists don't become successes overnight. They have to overcome obstacles to create the masterpieces we enjoy today. Each one has to deal with the four thinking barriers: Safe, Perfect, Victim and Feel.

There's no magic to writing a good novel. Anyone can master it, simply by following the rules. Here are five of the most important ones. Follow them and your fiction writing will instantly improve.

As readers, we want to get drawn into a novel and pulled along from the first page until the last. As writers, how can we create characters that help us do just that? Read on for some of the top tips to help you bring your fictional characters to life.