Joanne Harris knows a thing or two about writing, having published some 20 novels and several other books as well. This short book came out at the height of the Covid-19 crisis and just in time for budding writers out there who might be using lockdown and quarantine as a time to consider a career as an author. Her advice is clear and simple, and is based on a series of tweets she’s been putting out there for some time. I agree with much of what she has to say and completely endorse one bit of advice that comes up several times: if you’re a writer and you live in the UK, join the Society of Authors — your trade union. Harris speaks with some authority: she’s been the Chair of the Society’s Management Committee since early this year.