I am a new and very inexperienced writer. I have long day dreamed of having a book published and for years now have been slowly gathering stacks of notebooks full of scribbled ideas. My brain however, is slowly being filled with the niggles. How do you know if it's the right time to start focusing on the writing as a possible career? How do you know whether you have a credible idea or if it is quite frankly rubbish? How do you know when your work is READY?
PS: I'm sorry for calling you "man" Emma. I had not seen you were a woman.
There's no right time to start a book. I'm just 17 and I got a 300 pages MS here. Start at the next time you feel inspired. Write for pleasure. Be patient and persevering. I don't believe in bad ideas... it's just a market question. Well, the book is ready when you feel ready (but I'll suggest a review by your own before looking for an aggent). Hope I could help you, man. Bye!