"Everyone has at least one good book in them" or so the old adage goes. In reality it's probably not true - if you're stupid, for example.

Writing a book is very hard work and requires a lot of time and dedication. However, just thinking about, and planning a book might be fun, and is a lot more worthwhile than playing sudoku on the train every day.

Carry a little notebook around with you to jot down ideas, and things you'd like to write about. Make notes about people or situations that are scary, funny or interesting. They don't have to be real - let your imagination roam free.

Finding a writing style that suits you and your book may take a little longer. Read lots of fiction by different authors to find inspiration. I quite like Will Self and Tibor Fischer. I'm not so keen on Andy McNab though.

Who knows? The old family story about the time your grandad got stuck in the shed for a fortnight could make you richer than J.K Rowling.