It’s often said by writers that it’s harder to write a synopsis than it is to write a complete book.

As a music teacher I'm quite often appalled by the quality of the instruments that my beginner students bring to the first lesson.

The main difficulty with self-publication is distribution, but if we have a ready-made outlet through an organisation, tourist centres or via magazine sales, then it is something to be considered - an

Generally speaking, a writer doesn’t need to self-publish unless the book is so specialised that only a handful are likely to sell to those with a similar interest.

Saleable interviews aren’t necessarily with the rich and famous.

All forms of novel writing start with a germ of an idea that slowly develops into something tangible and solid.

Whenever we are asked how we do something we know how-to do well, we are becoming an advisor on that subject, even if it’s only how-to clean windows with newspaper.

It is extremely difficult for a beginner writer (or even a more experienced one) to gauge whether a particular course or workshop is right for them.

Sometimes we find our writing isn’t flowing as well as it might, especially after a prolonged bout of writing activity.

A large number of new writers cut their writing teeth on material submitted to the various different writing magazines.

Magazines regularly use a number of fillers and readers’ letters and these can be a small, but lucrative way of boosting your income.

Like magazine editors, competition judges are also looking for a strong element of action, drama or surprise in the entries.

All editors are looking for an element of action, drama or surprise in short stories.

Every writer’s first step begins with a hastily composed poem, a scribbled short story or a small offering to a local free paper – and very few people sold the first thing they ever wrote.

Writing romance for Harlequin-Mills & Boon is one of the most lucrative forms of fiction writing.

It has often been said that it is more difficult for a writer to be admitted to an agent’s client listing than to gain acceptance by a publisher.

Trying to sell a first book is an extremely difficult business — even if it does happen to be brilliant.

Most writers begin their careers by submitting material to magazines, and providing we comply with all the submission guidelines, it is easy to build up a good working relationship with an editor that

So you've written a book and are looking for a literary agent. Here are some tips on how to submit your work for representation.

As the Royal Wedding approaches, many people will be organising street parties to celebrate the big day. How about some Union Jack bunting to decorate the setting for your street party?

If you’re an aspiring author and have written a great story, you will undoubtedly be seeking to publish your work.

If you are looking for ways to keep the kids busy in the school holidays or just looking for a new crafty idea, look no further...

Whether it's for charity, for a stag night, to make money or simply for the good 'ol fashioned fun of it, the basic plan of how to put together a variety show/evening remains the same.

In today's society, we are all much more aware of the need to protect the environment, so there can be no better way to recycle and be creative at the same time, than to make your own paper.

Felting is an age old traditional craft, which has become increasingly popular in recent times.

The following guide outlines the main steps essential to producing a play for the theatre to take place in professional venues of around 50-200 seats either on the London Fringe or in smaller/fringe t

Replacing guitar strings is an essential skill for any musician. Whether strings break or simply wear over time, they will periodically require replacing.

How do you get a guitarist to stop playing? Put sheet music in front of him. A lot of truth is said in jest and this old joke between musicians is no exception.

Choosing the right guitar pick is central to ensuring you develop your individual style and improve as a guitarist.

Tracking down musical rarities, whether on vinyl, cassette, CD or mp3 can be a difficult process.