In the opening pages of this unique writers' guide, creative writing tutor, journalist (The Times, Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and Evening Standard) and novelist David Armstrong says: So, why not be a writer. As he says, you'll probably need to be determined, obsessive and possibly even a little crazy. So how was it for him?

His first crime novel, Night's Black Agents, was rejected by half the publishers in London before HarperCollins (to whom he had previously sent the book) finally accepted it.

Rejections, unreturned calls and the numerous other setbacks that most writers face on their journey into print have been overcome by the dogged determinations of Agatha Christie, Frederick Forsyth and JK Rowling. As David Armstrong says, they are shining examples to the would-be author.

Covering topics as diverse as Ideas, Agents, Launches, Editors and Public Lending Right, How Not to Write a Novel is an inspiring book for the would-be writers who have half-finished manuscripts in their drawers, and know only too well the painful business of receiving yet another rejection slip. David Armstrong has now written five crime novels but, with a fine irony, it is his first non-fiction title which has already out-sold all of his crime titles put together. That's the writing game for you.

Every chapter ends with useful suggestions. The first: Don't do it, should not deter you, because you wouldn't be reading it if you weren't already on the slippery path to publication. As he says in the introduction: Writers write, they have no choice, they're miserable if they don't and they're miserable if they do, too.

If you want to ease the misery, and pick up lots of useful tips about the writing business, read this funny, poignant and informative book. Put it on your bookshelf next to the scribbler's indispensable book Becoming a Writer' by Dorothea Brande (Papermac).

If you want informative reading on how a manuscript may be viewed by publishers, read The First Five Pages', Noah Lukeman, (Hale) If you want books on the devises and techniques of fiction, these two: How to Write a Mi££ion' Dibell, Scott Card and Turco, (Robinson) and Steering the Craft' by Ursula le Guin, (Eighth Mountain Press) would sit well beside David's How Not to Write a Novel, (Allison & Busby at £9.99). It has a splendid feel-good factor. You close it knowing that you really can try again.

And again.

And see your name on the spine of a book.

Review by Maggie Norton, Ulverston