If you’re just starting out in your writing quest, you’re probably going to hear the phrase, “Don’t give up,” a million times.  You’re probably going to hear about how you have to want it badly enough and only then will you get it.  The “it” is a finished novel, a publishing contract, an offer for representation from an agent, or your best friend crying over the pages you wrote.

     Whatever your “it” is you will have to work very hard for it.  It’s about persistence.  You will lose friends along the way.  No, people won’t understand you or your drive.  Your mom will either hate what you write on principle or love what you write because you wrote it.  Her opinion doesn’t count either way.  Trust me. 

     Your boyfriend/girlfriend or wife/husband might or might not understand what you’re doing.  Be stubborn.  Don’t let them belittle your dreams and don’t let them tell you it’s a waste of time.  It isn’t. 

     Dream big and dream often.

     Learn the grammar rules then learn when to ignore them.  Find a rhythm that’s all your own.  Start in the middle.  Start at the end.  Make an outline.  Burn your outline.

     Never write in fear and never be afraid to say, “I’m a writer.”  For more writing advice I've set up a link to a few posts on my Livejournal.

     I’ve also added a video 28 YA authors put together for all writers out there.  It’s entertaining and tells in a few short minutes what it took me years to learn— and they do it in song.