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One week of NaNoWriMo is already gone! If you're in need of some extra inspiration, check out these writing tips from the bestselling author of Beetle Boy, M.G. Leonard ... 

What would be your five top tips to budding writers?

1. Talent is another word for Hard Work. Push yourself, use everything you have and work your socks off.

2. Don't get it right, get it written. Do not re-read your work, keep writing until you get to the end of your story.

3. Don't write when you are tired. Your work will be rubbish and you will doubt yourself. There's a reason so many writers do it first thing in the morning.

4. When you think it's good, read it out loud and you will trip over badly worded sentences and hear where it needs improving.

5. Listen. Listen to other people when they point out things that aren't working, but don't listen to their solution (it will suck), find your own.

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?

Do it first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake. Wake up. Get up. Make yourself a hot drink. Sit down and get the words out. You'll have written a 1000 words before breakfast and that feels good.

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