Bitten by writer's bug? A step-by-step guide on making a mark as an author

Once upon a time, writing a book was the preserve of the so-called intellectuals, but today, just anybody who has a story to tell, can become a novelist or thought pundit

There is a brand new “aspiration” that has its fair share of “perspiration”. It's called book-writing, and people from practically all walks of life have been smitten by the writer’s bug -- star wives, housewives, industry captains, retired professionals, chat-show hosts and even teenage kids. Anyone who has a story to tell, suddenly has a medium to reach out to and express oneself by penning one's thoughts, achievements, denials and angst, or simply creating a world of make believe with fictional writing.

But what is it that drives someone who hasn't tried his or her hand at it before, to