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"Teach yourself: Writing a novel", by Nigel Watts, is an extremely useful guide for both the novice writer and the published author. Not too long, and not too short, Watts manages to combine inspiration with practical tips in a highly useful and readable book.

Watts' credentials for writing this book include having taught creative writing courses for many years and being a published author of a number of adult and children's novels. Throughout the book, Watts draws on his experience of teaching and writing, to provide a great deal of relevant and important advice.

"Teach yourself: Writing a novel" can either be read from cover to cover, as the reader progresses with writing their own novel, or it can be dipped into whenever the need arises. Most readers (or, indeed, writers) would probably read the whole book through once, and then return to the relevant sections, as and when they need to.

For the budding novelist, Watts' guide is a useful introduction to the points they should be considering when writing their novel, many of which they may not have thought of before. Throughout the book, Watts guides the writer on every step of writing a novel, from having the initial idea, through editing the first draft, to tips for getting published, and each chapter is concluded with handy exercises or "Things to try".

Each subject is clearly explained with helpful examples. Particularly insightful are the sections on resonance and contradiction in subplots, the eight-point arc (or how to structure your novel) and developing characters.

Watts does not only cover the art of writing the words. He also provides a number of useful suggestions for dealing with writers' block, getting into a routine, suitable environments in which to write, and finding sources of motivation, helpful criticism and encouragement.

Personally, I found this book was a great place to start and having read it, I felt confident and encouraged about tackling writing my own novel. I am sure I will refer back to it many times.

This book can be obtained from most bookshops or direct from the publisher at www.teachyourself.co.uk

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