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Today the fantastic Catherine Doyle, author of the deliciously dark Blood for Blood series, shares her top writing tips ...

What would be your five top tips to budding writers?

1. Read widely and read often, especially in the genre you want to write in. I truly believe that being a good reader helps you become a better writer.

2. Try to write something every day, even if it's just 200 words. Keep your MS ticking over.

3. Finish your first draft! Ignore those inevitable bouts of panic, and keep pushing through. The real magic happens during the editing process. If you don't get your draft finished, you'll have nothing to work with!

4. When you've completed your first draft, leave it for at least six full weeks before you look at it again. You'd be surprised at the things you notice when you come back to it with fresh eyes. This will really help you hone and tweak it.

5. Try and find a Beta reader (or a critique partner) – someone you trust to give you honest feedback and help you bring your MS to the next level.

For those hoping to take part in NaNoWriMo or enter the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition, what would be your best tip for writing something every day?

If you're not feeling particularly inspired to write, then do something creative – something that helps refill the 'Imagination Well'! Watch a movie, read a book, see a play, listen to some music. Experiencing creativity will help recharge your own!

Enter the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition to be in with a chance of winning a £10,000 publishing contract!