Are you writing a novel? Could you do with some encouragement, helpful tips and motivation to keep going? This self-help book may be the perfect answer for you: short, friendly, light in tone, and highly motivational. And it isn't simply about how to write a novel. It also helps you discover more about some of your favourite writers, their lives and works. Perhaps you need some inspiration and guidance. Inside this self help book Perilous Path, you'll find nuggets and insights about such famous authors as JRR Tolkien, Jane Austen and George Orwell as well as unexpected help from people as diverse as Carl Jung, Ernest Hemingway and David Hockney. How do you find courage and motivation when your novel sinks in the middle? How do you stay focused as a writer through success and disappointment? How can great artists, musicians and psychologists give you inspiration? You'll find the answers to these questions and many others in this short, motivational, easy read. SC Skillman, writer of psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction for young adults and new adults, offers valuable insight into such subjects as how to write a novel, how to keep going in the face of rejection, and where to look for encouragement and inspiration as you walk the perilous path into the 'promised land' of the writing profession. An when you've finished reading Perilous Path, why not try the author's two psychological/paranormal mysteries, Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit? SC Skillman's first two novels for new adults, Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit are both set in the same mysterious English manor house in the heart of England - the beautiful Cotswold hills. Mystical Circles begins, and A Passionate Spirit continues, the story of the two sisters Juliet and Zoe. There in that mysterious manor house, gothic goings-on, paranormal events and ghostly tales are never far away. "I found Perilous Path very enjoyable to read at a time when my writing practice had stalled. It inspired me to get back to work, and it reminded me of why I write, and what a wonderful process we engage in when we explore words and prose. This book is great for people at all levels in the writing world, being both entertaining and informative." (Catherine Green, author of paranormal fiction for young adults) "I found this a really interesting collection of advice, hints and observations about the writing life. I've been writing for a while, but there was plenty here to inspire. SC Skillman uses a range of illuminating examples and comparisons to illustrate her ideas and these make a difference I think any beginner writer would value such a collection." (Fran Hill, author of Being Miss) "This book is a little gem; a mine of finely observed hints and reflections on writing. Each short chapter is clearly focused on a specific subject with great examples and well-thought-out suggestions. A very enjoyable read, written from the heart. I found some great ideas for follow-up." (David Smith, author of Searching for Amber, Death in Leamington and Love in Lindfield)