I’m fairly new to writing. (Rule: avoid using -ly). And it has already been inspiring and challenging. (Cue chocolate and a bubbly soda). SO much goes into writing. I now have a VERY (don’t use Very) healthy respect for writers EVERYWHERE. Writing provides opportunity for challenge, and for life long learning. Does one ever really ARRIVE?

Here’s what I have learned so far:

Read a lot. Why wouldn’t you? Learn from those who do it, study writing.
Write a lot. Dig in, do the work. Write, revise, rewrite. EDIT EDIT EDIT
Be a beta reader, and encourage other writers.
Take a long walk when you are stuck (or Ski or Run)
There will be hard days, when you feel like your head is in the sand.
Or days when you feel like you are the world’s worst writer.
I felt like that yesterday.
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Here’s my favorite resources so far:
Other writers, the Podcast WRITING EXCUSES. Brandon Sanderson’s youtube channel, actually Anything Brandon Sanderson is my favorite. Authortube (Shaelin is a favorite here. Also, I really enjoy watching Kate Cavanaugh.) My favorite writing books are Elements of Style by EB White and William Strunk Jr. as well as Ursala K Le Guin’s Steering the Craft.

Note to self: You may be terrible right now, but do the work and hopefully you will get it. I bet you will. 🙂