If you have decided to write a novel, the story that exists within it extends way beyond the book itself. This 'backstory' is what helps give your book depth: here are a few points to keep in mind about the 'past' of the book you're writing.

The flip side of the success coin is failure. In our culture, failure has almost become a taboo subject - and yet failure simply means lack of success. Learning from failure to gain the success you want isn't magic - it's called planning. In writing this is crucial, so let's have a look at some pointers.

There are many differences in technique and purpose between Short Stories and Novels.

Peter Rabbit was a figment of the imagination of the very creative Beatrix Potter. The author was born in 1866 in Victorian Kensington London.

Common wisdom dictates that if a grammatical "mistake" becomes common enough, it is no longer a mistake. Real-world usage aside, isn't it time for a bit of common sense?

Maurice Sendak is an excellent author and his books are funny, educational, and are just plain good stories. However, some students will not want to look at the monster pictures, and they shouldn't be forced to do so. Parents have every right to ask teachers not to read Sendak if the pictures scare their children.

Have you ever wondered, as you sit at your keyboard, if there are any secrets to successful novel writing? Well there are - and here are five of them. Remember these secrets and your novel writing will improve overnight!