Writer and Tutor, Ann Burnett

Whether you decide to use a pen and paper or write directly on to a computer, I'll leave up to you. Everybody's different. Some very experienced writers still like to write on paper first, preferring the feeling of the pen moving across the page. My writing is so illegible that I have to use a computer. I find it also helps to see what I've written immediately in print form. But as I said, do what suits you.

What you will need, however, is a library of books designed to help you. This is the most basic list. As time goes on, you will find yourself adding to it.

Firstly, a good dictionary is essential, not just for checking spelling but for finding out meanings and derivations. Buy as big a one as you can afford.

The Oxford English Dictionary or Chambers Dictionary are very useful.

Then a book to help with punctuation and grammar - try Lynne Truss's Eats, Shoots and Leaves. Books designed to help children with punctuation and grammar can be very concise and easy to understand. The Usborne Guide to Better English is one such book.

And for finding markets and loads of other useful information, buy either the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook or The Writers' Handbook.

A good book on the craft of writing is Stephen King's On Writing. It is full of practical advice from a master writer. Alison Baverstock's Is there a book in you? will give you insight into what it means to be a writer and the vicissitudes you will face.