If you want to write a novel about politics, remember the golden rule: fiction is made up, no matter how much truth is in it, and nonfiction is fact (or, at least, the closest to fact we can get). Know the difference. And understand the difference between preaching in your fiction and telling a story. If not for your sake, at least for your readers.

One of the best ways to pick up characters is by listening to the conversations around us. When you’re at Starbuck’s with your computer, listen to the conversations the people around you are having. Are they excited? Sad? Perturbed? Perhaps angry about something that’s happening to them at work? In their lives? Between them and their significant other? If so, write down the interesting parts. Or tape the whole thing, if you don’t feel like you’re being too creepy. Look over from time to time.

More and more agents are closed to queries or are only open to queries via referrals. Which means you shouldn’t waste your time querying them. They won’t likely read your query, and it’s possible you’ll just be considered a rookie or annoying. It’s like putting a no soliciting sign on your door and still having the Avon representative knocking at your door. If Avon is still a thing—I have no clue and I’m not even going to bother to Google if it is.