In which we try to answer some of life’s more answerable questions.

Q: Is this a writing course?
A: No, it’s a writing guide. Writing courses offer assignments that are then criticized – this guide offers homework, but it’s a tool to improve your own writing. At the end of the day, you have to learn how to write on your own. This guide will be your friend as you figure out how to do that. And if you have any questions, you can ask me one-on-one during Week 3 and Week 6.

Q: So how much does The No Excuse Novel cost?
A: Only $50 (US), or the equivalent in your currency. Click through to CCNow to see how much it costs in rands, pounds or euros (or rupees, Hong Kong dollars or Swedish krona!) They won't charge you till you checkout.

Q: How does the information come to me?
A: You’ll be emailed a PDF each Monday, which has all the information, inspiration, and homework to do for that week. The PDF is easily downloadable, and you can either read it on your computer, or print it out.

Q: How do I pay for it?
A: Payment is easy and completely safe, through CCNow. Simply follow the links on our sign-up page to pay.

Q: I’ve just paid for the guide, why haven’t I got the first week’s PDF yet?
A: Each week starts on a Monday, so each week’s PDF is delivered to your inbox first thing Monday morning. A fresh start to a fresh week!

Q: What does the locked section on the website give me?
A: You’ll get access to a special members-only forum, where you can chat with me and other writers, and we can learn from each other.

You’ll also be able to download A Guide to Marketing and Publishing (the unconventional way!), my free e-book on Marketing and Publishing (which will give you a whole heap of juicy tidbits about what happens after the publishing contract is signed!)

And you’ll be able to download and fill in your own personal Writer’s Contract – a commitment to yourself to take this whole writing thing seriously.

Q: How do I access the locked section on the website?
A: Once you've signed up and paid for The No Excuse Novel through CCNow, you'll be emailed a User ID and password. Use these to login on the home page and, as if by magic, the Forum and Downloads pages will appear. 

Q: What about after the six weeks are up? Can I still access the forum?
A: Yes you can! Once you’ve registered with The No Excuse Novel, your User ID and password remain valid for life. You can keep chatting on the forum for as long as you want to (as long as it’s not keeping you from doing your daily writing!)

Q: I have a question that hasn’t been answered in the course so far. Can I email you to ask it?
A: During Week 3 and Week 6 you’ll receive an email from me, inviting you to ask any questions about your personal writing process. It’s a chance for you to get some one-on-one advice about anything you want (in the writing world!)

Q: Can I email you excerpts of my writing for criticism?
A: Unfortunately, no. The volume of work I would have to work through if I allowed this would be too huge – I’d never have any time to do my own writing! For criticisms of your work, it’s best to enroll in a writer’s circle, where you can meet face to face and discuss the good and bad within your work.