Any ideas on how to move from writing short stories into writing a novel?

[EggsOvaryZee]

Is an agent for short stories possible? If not, and writing a novel seems to be the only way forward of either getting an agent/published - does anoyne have any ideas/tips for writing a novel...or a good way of 'linking' short stories to make a novel IYKWIM?

Agents are rarely interested in short stories - many will tell you that they don't sell. Linking short stories to make a novel is a difficult one - there have been some examples, like The Martian Chronicles. But generally they are two separate and respected disciplines. Entering short story competitions - getting yourself out there - is the best way to attract a publisher/agent.