I feel the need to share some of the things I’ve learned in the past few months during my journey as a writer.

Serious things:

1. Just write. It doesn’t matter if it’s shit. Just write. You can’t edit a blank page. You can’t publish nothing. End of story.
2. Edit. Edit the first draft, edit the second draft, and then edit one more time before you submit your story to anyone.
3. Beta Readers can be your best resource. Even better is when you can get a mix of writers and non-writers to beta for you. That is the best combination to work out the kinks in your story.
4. Don’t get defensive when you get feedback on your writing. It’s nothing personal.
5. In the same vein, don’t bash an author’s work because you didn’t like their personal choices for the plot, characters, etc.  Be professional and critique to improve what they already have on the paper, don’t add your own creative ideas.

Silly things:

1. Social media is a black hole, so is YouTube, Google, and Deviant Art.  Beware all who enter there.
2. Write how you’re comfortable, even if that means naked in bed with a pen and a notepad.  (TMI?)
3. Being a fangirl can have positive influence on your writing, and your sex life…trust me.
4. Friends say they want to be in your stories, but they really don’t.
5. Don’t listen to the haters, take it with a grain of salt and move on.  Even though you want to punch their effin lights out.  *smiles innocently*

So…I hope my list has enlightened you and slightly disturbed you.  *evil laugh*

Can you relate to any of these?