Dear Louise: 10 tips on how to start writing a novel for aspiring authors

Here are some pointers Louise O'Neill likes to give aspiring authors

Louise O'Neill. Picture: Moya Nolan

Dear Louise, I have a lot of material and would like to put it in book form. I have not written anything before. Have you any ideas on how I should start?

I’ve done countless Zoom sessions with students over the last 18 months and questions like this often arise. I’m always at pains to demystify writing — there is a lot of bullshit that surrounds art and I don’t think it’s helpful.