

#  HOW I FOUND THE WRITE PATH

A COMPILATION OF LETTERS 

#  HOW I FOUND THE WRITE PATH: A COMPILATION OF LETTERS

Compiled by Carrie Butler and P.K. Hrezo

"AJ Matthews" Copyright © 2014 by A.J. Matthews  
"Aldrea Alien" Copyright © 2014 by Aldrea Alien  
"Alex Cavanaugh" Copyright © 2014 by Alex Cavanaugh  
"Amy Evans" Copyright © 2014 by Amy Evans  
"Angela Brown" Copyright © 2014 by Angela Brown  
"Annalisa Crawford" Copyright © 2014 by Annalisa Crawford  
"Carrie-Anne Brownian" Copyright © 2014 by Carrie-Anne Brownian  
"Carrie Butler" Copyright © 2014 by Carrie Butler  
"Catherine Stine" Copyright © 2014 by Catherine Stine  
"Christine Danek" Copyright © 2014 by Christine Danek  
"Chrys Fey" Copyright © 2014 by Chrys Fey  
"Clare Dugmore" Copyright © 2014 by Clare Dugmore  
"C. Lee McKenzie" Copyright © 2014 by C. Lee McKenzie  
"Crystal Collier" Copyright © 2014 by Crystal Collier  
"D.A. Botta" Copyright © 2014 by D.A. Botta  
"Dana Mason" Copyright © 2014 by Dana Mason  
"Dean K. Miller" Copyright © 2014 by Dean K. Miller  
"Debi O'Neille" Copyright © 2014 by Debi O'Neille  
"Denise Covey" Copyright © 2014 by Denise Covey  
"Diana Wilder" Copyright © 2014 by Diana Wilder  
"E. Arroyo" Copyright © 2014 by E. Arroyo  
"E.J. Wesley" Copyright © 2014 by E.J. Wesley  
"Elaine Kaye" Copyright © 2014 by Elaine Kaye  
"Eleyne-Mari" Copyright © 2014 by Eleyne-Mari  
"Elizabeth Hein" Copyright © 2014 by Elizabeth Hein  
"Elizabeth Seckman" Copyright © 2014 by Elizabeth Seckman  
"Emma Adams" Copyright © 2014 by Emma Adams  
"Gina Stoneheart" Copyright © 2014 by Gina Stoneheart  
"Heather M. Gardner" Copyright © 2014 by Heather M. Gardner  
"Ian S. Bott" Copyright © 2014 by Ian S. Bott  
"Ilima Todd" Copyright © 2014 by Ilima Todd  
"Jade Eby" Copyright © 2014 by Jade Eby  
"J.L. Campbell" Copyright © 2014 by J.L. Campbell  
"Katie Doyle" Copyright © 2014 by Katie Doyle  
"Kyra Lennon" Copyright © 2014 by Kyra Lennon  
"Lark O'Neal" Copyright © 2014 by Lark O'Neal  
"Liz Blocker" Copyright © 2014 by Liz Blocker  
"Loni Townsend" Copyright © 2014 by Loni Townsend  
"Luccia Gray" Copyright © 2014 by Luccia Gray  
"L.W. Flouisa" Copyright © 2014 by L.W. Flouisa  
"Lynda R. Young" Copyright © 2014 by Lynda R. Young  
"Lynn Lovegreen" Copyright © 2014 by Lynn Lovegreen  
"Mark Koopmans" Copyright © 2014 by Mark Koopmans  
"Mark Murata" Copyright © 2014 by Mark Murata  
"Medeia Sharif" Copyright © 2014 by Medeia Sharif  
"Melissa Maygrove" Copyright © 2014 by Melissa Maygrove  
"Meradeth Houston" Copyright © 2014 by Meradeth Houston  
"Michael Di Gesu" Copyright © 2014 by Michael Di Gesu  
"Misa Buckley" Copyright © 2014 by Misa Buckley  
"Misha Gericke" Copyright © 2014 by Misha Gericke  
"M. Pepper Langlinais" Copyright © 2014 by M. Pepper Langlinais  
"Nick Wilford" Copyright © 2014 by Nick Wilford  
"Pauline Baird Jones" Copyright © 2014 by Pauline Baird Jones  
"P.K. Hrezo" Copyright © 2014 by P.K. Hrezo  
"Robyn Campbell" Copyright © 2014 by Robyn Campbell  
"S.A. Larsen" Copyright © 2014 by S.A. Larsen  
"Sarah Brentyn" Copyright © 2014 by Sarah Brentyn  
"Seth Z. Herman" Copyright © 2014 by Seth Z. Herman  
"Shelly Arkon" Copyright © 2014 by Shelly Arkon  
"S.J. Pajonas" Copyright © 2014 by S.J. Pajonas  
"Stephanie Faris" Copyright © 2014 by Stephanie Faris  
"Tammy Theriault" Copyright © 2014 by Tammy Theriault  
"Theresa Milstein" Copyright © 2014 by Theresa Milstein  
"Tyrean Martinson" Copyright © 2014 by Tyrean Martinson  
"V.R. Barkowsky" Copyright © 2014 by V.R. Barkowsky

All contributions used with the permission of their authors.

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the author.

Cover Design by Forward Authority

#  Table of Contents

Title   
Copyright   
Introduction   
A.J. Matthews   
Aldrea Alien   
Alex J. Cavanaugh   
Amy Evans   
Angela Brown   
Annalisa Crawford   
Carrie-Anne Brownian   
Carrie Butler   
Catherine Stine   
Christine Danek   
Chrys Fey   
Clare Dugmore   
C. Lee McKenzie   
Crystal Collier   
D.A. Botta   
Dana Mason   
Dean K. Miller   
Debi O'Neille   
Denise Covey   
Diana Wilder   
E. Arroyo   
E.J. Wesley   
Elaine Kaye   
Eleyne-Mari   
Elizabeth Hein   
Elizabeth Seckman   
Emma Adams   
Gina Stoneheart   
Heather M. Gardner   
Ian S. Bott   
Ilima Todd   
Jade Eby   
J.L. Campbell   
Katie Doyle   
Kyra Lennon   
Lark O'Neal   
Liz Blocker   
Loni Townsend   
Luccia Gray   
L.W. Flouisa   
Lynda R. Young   
Lynn Lovegreen   
Mark Koopmans   
Mark Murata   
Medeia Sharif   
Melissa Maygrove   
Meradeth Houston   
Michael Di Gesu   
Misa Buckley   
Misha Gericke   
M. Pepper Langlinais   
Nick Wilford   
Pauline Baird Jones   
P.K. Hrezo   
Robyn Campbell   
S.A. Larsen   
Sarah Brentyn   
Seth Z. Herman   
Shelly Arkon   
Sherry Ellis   
S.J. Pajonas   
Stephanie Faris   
Tammy Theriault   
Theresa Milstein   
Tyrean Martinson   
V.R. Barkowsky

#  Introduction

Hey there, fellow writer!

Here's the lowdown on this project: To celebrate my third blogoversary, I decided to pay it forward by inviting the writing/blogging community to help those just starting on their publishing journey. Why? Because it's one of the most crucial periods in a writer's life—full of nerves and hope we refuse to acknowledge. We've all been there.

That's why over sixty of us have written letters to our past selves, candidly sharing things we don't always discuss in public. The hope is that those of you who haven't published will learn from our experiences. And those of you who _have_ published? Well, you just might realize you're not alone.

Let's keep this going.

\- Carrie Butler

www.carrieabutler.com

P.S. I'd like to give a shout-out to my friend and fellow compiler, P.K. Hrezo. She really helped rally support for this project!

**Note:** Because these letters were compiled from writers all over the world (and Internet), you will see differences here and there, i.e. formats, localized spellings, editing, etc. Please keep that in mind. :)

#  A.J. Matthews

Dear A.J. in 2011,

You've been writing for a long time. FOREVER. You wrote that first book at six. Often writers will then say, "And you never looked back." But that's not the case, is it? Here's the one thing you need to know, and put into practice. Every. Single. Day. Don't beat yourself up about it. Who cares if you could have written X number of books if you'd pounded out a few hundred words a day since you first joined Romance Writers of America at the ripe old age of 22? Life happened, and you got some fantastic things out of it: an exceptional education studying remarkable literature; those three insane, I mean, darling, children; and your super-patient and really cute husband. What matters is you're writing now. Keep going. When you write THE END on that novella you're working on now, it will be one of the most intoxicating sensations you've experienced, and you won't want to stop now that you've done it.

Another thing you should know, something I learned the hard way, is don't get so fixated on writing one story that it stifles others. If your conscious mind thinks you should be writing something, but the words don't flow, move on. It's your inner voice telling you to try another idea. Sure, you can continue to hash out the details of that other story while looking for inspiration for a new book, but when the muse drops a big fat idea in your lap, run with it. You'll be happy you did when you write the first draft of that book in three weeks, and then realize not long after starting the book that the original idea will work as book 2 in the series.

In addition to RWA, you belong to small chapters but never interact much. Change that. Get involved in your local chapter, because it will re-kindle a friendship that will lead you on your path to publication. This friend is warm and caring and encouraging, and her feedback gives you the confidence you truly need at the moment you meet up again.

I understand time is so tight, but don't neglect the online community. Joining one group on Facebook and getting active on Twitter will change your life. This community of other writers who support one another is a beautiful thing—and one of the most surprising things I've discovered about the industry in the last few years. Sure, there will always be people who will disparage you and hope you fail, but these other ladies and gents? They want to celebrate success with you. Celebrate and support them, too.

As you pursue publication, remember this: instead of clicking "refresh" every two minutes on your e-mail after your query or submission, take that time to plan and write your next story. The more you write, the more you'll have available to sell when you finally get an offer.

And don't forget to check your Spam folder. The nicest things may show up there.

Love,

Me (or you in 2014, I guess)

_~ A.J. Matthews, author of GOODBYE TO YOU_

@AJMatthews_

#  Aldrea Alien

Dear 15 year old me,

You know your little dream of publishing that strange story with the lizard people you started writing when you were twelve? The one you thought was already pretty dark? Yeah, _The Rogue King_. You're pitting all your hopes on that number, aren't you?

Well ... I'm here to say your path won't be easy.

You're going to get stomped on. A _lot_. Querying, which I know you've just started doing, will lead to being rejected by every man and his dog. You'll tear your hair out over the contradictions and want to slap every face you see. You'll find out that, for every helpful person out there, there'll be someone else who'll dump all over you. You're going to spend ages screaming at that screen.

But some of those helpful people will become your _critique partners_. Remember those words. You'll start to know them better than all your high school friends (for longer than a few of them, too).

And you know what else? You're not the know-it-all you think you are.

Don't you sit there fussing and rolling your eyes at me. Yes, it's taken you a few years now. You've read a few things, tweaked accordingly. But it's going to take you even longer. You're nowhere near the halfway mark of your journey.

So saddle up for another fourteen years, my dear. You've got a boatload of stuff to learn along the way that they never touched on at school. It'll be a daunting experience, I know, but soak it in. Just don't try to conform to _every_ rule. It'll drive you crazy. Well, crazier. ^_^

Be prepared to change things around. You've got three complete rewrites to haul your butt through. You'll grow to hate that arrogant arse you decided to make a main character. And his son ... he's practically a shadow (no pun intended, there). You'll quibble with yourself over scrapping the whole thing.

Even with all that help, it's going to be a hard road. It's a big story now, you won't fit it all into one book (FYI, that's where all your trouble is coming from). And you'll scare yourself with how dark it gets, but it's okay, I've got it now.

Lastly, you're going to find you're doing the important parts yourself. Yes Miss Hypocrite, you've got the makings of a self-published novel in your hands. But don't sit there and fret. You can do this. You're an indie. You did it. It's out there and being enjoyed. Be proud.

Love,

Aldrea

_~ Aldrea Alien, author of the Rogue King saga_

www.aldreaalien.com

#  Alex J. Cavanaugh

Prepare for Changes!

Right now, you're writing. It's comfortable and fun. But once you're on the path to publication, prepare for everything to change! This journey is going to rock your world.

You are going to meet so many amazing people along the way. Writers, readers and bloggers. Learn from them. Become a sponge and soak it up. You don't want to go into this blind—learn from their mistakes and their successes.

Be a giver. That's probably the most important thing. You may not think you have anything to give as a new author, as a social media newbie. But you do. You can support. You can uplift others. You can take what you've learned and the blog you established and let it be a blessing to others.

Don't underestimate the support you'll receive, either. The writing community is the most generous on earth. They want to celebrate with you. Your success isn't a threat—it's a beacon of hope. Let others help you with promotions, as their reach is far greater and packs a bigger punch.

Understand the reach of your work. Don't narrow its appeal. Think bigger. Think beyond those people you believed you were writing for. What you wrote will have a far greater impact than you can imagine.

Last piece of advice—don't stop writing. There's more than one book in you. Your readers will demand more! And with each one, you'll get better. It won't be easier, but each time you'll dig deeper and try harder.

Prepare for these changes and enjoy the ride!

_~ Alex J. Cavanaugh, author of the Amazon Best-Selling Cassa series_

alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com

#  Amy Evans

Dear Amy,

This year you're going to party like it's 1999. You are going to find your "write life." So listen up. There's a reason you're on this planet. And you haven't started doing it yet. You ARE a storyteller. Denial won't change that. Stop hiding your dreams in the closet and get on with it. So...

**WRITE.** Just sit down and do it, first thing, every day. All the stories in your head are much better on paper, and when you are writing, all the issues and doubt will disappear. Otherwise the words will crowd your heart and your head. Start every story that's in your heart, and finish some of them. Go...

**TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON.** Only your parents will laugh. They'll remind you that when you were a little tiny kid, you sat around writing stories, and didn't do much else. Evan will take a story idea that you whisper to him on a long car trip, pitch it to a new media producer and an internet incubator and you guys will start a company based their interest. When people ask what you're working on, they're genuinely interested when you tell them. And...

**IF THEY ASK TO SEE IT, SHOW IT TO THEM**. Immediately. Because they're excited about, they'll understand that it's still in a draft mode. They're really going to like it, want to see it again when it's finished, and they may even have a bit of advice. Don't wait until it's perfect because it never will be. And their energy will have diminished, and you'll have to work much hard to capture it again. Just...

**FINISH THINGS.** Wrap projects up, put them down. Edit, create a clean copy, and make a plan. Keeping them hidden in your computer is almost worse than never having written them at all. Expand your ideas about delivery platforms beyond books, TV and movies and you will actually create new platforms for your stories. Don't limit your ideas to books Take...

**A CLASS OR TWO.** You need the deadlines, structure and feedback for editing. But don't get stuck in the process for too long. Incorporate the feedback you like immediately, ignore the rest and keep moving the project forward. And you will meet amazing people who will stick with you for the rest of your life. It's magical to have friends who already know your dreams. They'll encourage you, understand you, get you back on track if they need to and celebrate even the smallest successes. Always...

**TRUST YOUR INTUITION.** Especially when it comes to people and opportunities. You know which ones will carry you forward and which will not. Do not question your instincts, or feel guilty about them. You see things that others do not, and come up with unique and creative connections. This is ultimately what will drive you to create stories that only you can tell, the stories only you can share with the world. Remember...

**TIME IS DIVINE.** You can reject the desk job mentality, and spend your days doing work that inspires you and is productive. Interesting opportunities will always come your way if you stay optimistic and open minded. And go marry that boy already. You guys make dreams come true for each other and your babies are going to be adorable. And lastly...

**PUT YOUR STORIES FIRST.** There will be plenty of distractions, many will even be essential to creating the career you want. But make the creative writing time the most important tentpole of every day. Make storytelling sacred, because that is truly the part that only you can do.

With love and light,

xoxo

Future You

_~ Amy Evans_

www.amyevansbooks.com

#  Angela Brown

Hey early-twenties-Angela,

There's something you should know. Actually, I recognize that pained expression; your brows knitted, eyes narrowed and nostrils flaring. I know what's in your hands. It's WHEN PEBBLES FALL, the manuscript you sent in to that contest thinking for sure they were going to be wowed by your writing prowess. Instead, you have enough red ink slashed through the pages to donate a few pints to the local blood bank. It wasn't a terrible story, just poorly executed given the circumstances.

Those circumstances will need time to change.

I know, I know. Patience is not your strong suit. Well, that is exactly what you will build very slowly over time.

By the way, it's okay that you delete WHEN PEBBLES FALL from the universe. Honestly, it served it's purpose as a therapeutic channel to deal with your emotions, especially those still needling at you because of your mother's death. But I digress.

For a time, you will distance yourself from writing, focusing on reading as entertainment and education. You learn to break a scene down to see what you like as a reader. And it isn't too long after that you find yourself grabbing a pen and notepad to start another story. I wish I could tell you things go right this time, but after you self-publish this manuscript, _Secret Lilies_ , through Authorhouse, things in your life take another manic turn. Only this time, your writerly circumstances will make a change for the better and really buoy your passion for writing.

You'll have a rock star critique group of people who've published for years and have loads of experience. You also learn to take criticism of your work tons better than you did when you got WHEN PEBBLES FALL back and cried until your eyes threatened to pop out of your head. *note - whether in person or online, crit groups are truly beneficial*

Then, well, I guess that's why third time's the charm. You're going to participate in an A to Z blogging challenge that will lead you to writing a story you didn't intend. Sounds crazy, huh? I know, it kind of does, but it's not. You're going to love these characters and have your own thoughts and ideas on how you'd like to see _Neverlove_ be brought to the world. Traditional publishing with an agent and a publishing house aren't removed from your mind, but self-publishing meets your desire to control the publishing process.

By the way, you suck wind at the whole "buy my book" schtick. You get better with patience...not so much with the marketing lol!

Okay, let me stop laughing at you - erm - me - uh - us and get back to the one thing that is truly important: Stay persistent, Angela, and stay true to your heart. No, you will not be the next JK Rowling. Trust me, the sooner you accept that the better, especially when that's the one name people will associate with you because of your similarities as divorced struggling single parents. That's where the similarities end. She has her own style and you have your own. Stick to being you, always, and never forget the reason for writing and publishing in the first place. Not for fame, fortune or best selling status, but for the passion.

_~ Angela Brown, author of the SHADOW JUMPERS series_

@ALBrownwrites

#  Annalisa Crawford

Dear 20 year old me,

You've just had two short stories published, and you're feeling pretty cool about everything right now. This writing lark is easy, right? **_Wrong!_**

I'm supposed to give you advice now, but I really don't want to. By submitting the way you are (a constant rolling process of one rejection landing on your doormat and being instantly repackaged and sent off again) you're learning patience, stubbornness, how to handle rejection... And, believe me, when most submissions are email based and can be returned in an _hour,_ you definitely need to know how to handle rejection.

And, you know what, every time you reach despair, you'll write some cracking stories - honest - and they are the ones that'll get published.

However, there are some things I want to share with you:

• Don't compare yourself to other writers - especially not the ones writing popular genres - that will just depress you greatly.

• Use beta readers _as soon as_ you start writing novellas. You can get away with when you're writing 2000 words, but not so much 20,000 words.

• Don't ignore self-publishing - it's not the same in 2012/13 as it is in 1994 - in fact it's pretty cool now, and means you get to be in charge and make all the decisions. There are so many options, which means you no longer _have_ to buy 1000 copies and store them in your house.

• Take marketing seriously. In fact, take a marketing course right now! (Pauses to see whether a marketing certificate appears on wall... Nope, it doesn't... Are you even listening to me, Child?

Also, make friends with writers - use social media (it's okay, you'll understand what I'm talking about soon). Instead of being the only writer you know and having to work everything out for yourself, you'll appreciate how supportive, understanding and helpful other writers are. And you'll make some brilliant friends.

Enjoy being 20.

xxx

_~ Annalisa Crawford_

www.annalisacrawford.com

#  Carrie-Anne Brownian

**Dear 1980s Self,**

It's great that you're always making new characters and stories, and you're so lucky your family has a computer. Don't ask what's going to happen to all these picture books, stories, and novelettes you're making during these formative writing years. Just know that the only character from these picture books and early stories who's going to stick around is Henry Unicorn-Mitchell.

One day you're going to shelve your 18th and 19th century characters, but over 20 years later, you're going to be inspired to resurrect them and breathe new life into them. You might've been very young when you created them, but the fact that you never forget these people and their stories all these years shows what staying power a good idea can have. They were meant to be.

**Dear Early 1990s Self,**

These 1940s Atlantic City preteens you just created? They've got staying power. You're going to grow up with them, and feel like you were born to write them. But you're going to shelve your first series with them. It's just not written very well. You need a lot more time with these people before they can develop into distinctive characters, with original storylines.

Your precious Samantha Smart also needs a serious character makeover. Right now she's an annoying goody-goody and passive victim, and her mother is even more annoying. You're going to discover that Sam just wants to be a normal kid deep down, but is scared to go against her fanatic, evil mother Urma. Urma meanwhile is destined to become the town psychopath and one of the villains you're proudest of writing.

Also, you really need to work on creating a better 20th century historical voice. Your characters talk, think, act, and even dress like early 1990s American teens, NOT young people growing up in the 1940s. You've also got a bunch of other anachronisms, and need to show the historical setting beyond sporadic mentions of the War, rationing, and Frank Sinatra.

**Dear 1993 Self,**

Amy is not a Russian name. The Russian form of Amy is Lyubov, Lyuba for short. By the end of the year, you're going to start realising she's really in love with Ivan. It's not just a matter of her starting to fall for him and realising she loves him more than Boris. She's been in love with him since they met as children, and only pretended to prefer Boris for reasons too complex to get into here. This radical revision to your juvenile storyline is going to save this book's ass and turn it into one of the things you're proudest of having written.

You still need to work on a believable historical setting and voice. Your Russian characters in their late teens, in the late 1910s, talk and act like early 1990s American teens. It's really embarrassing. They would've been considered adults by the standard of their era.

You're not going to be published by the time you're 15. Not even close.

**Dear 2001 Self,**

You were right to give up querying so quickly. Your Russian novel and your chronological first Atlantic City book are nowhere near ready for publication. They need quite a bit of edits and revisions. Only with more time, experience, and maturity will you come to discover how to fix them up. Your Russian novel most needs fixing in the original sections of the first six or seven chapters. It'll need less radical revisions and deletions as it goes on. _The Very First_ needs a more radical revision and restructuring. Seriously, there's very little actual narrative right now. The way you've set it up is an awful gimmick that doesn't work.

**Dear 2011 Self,**

Congratulations on finishing _Little Ragdoll_. It took a lot of hard work, and guts, to finally go back after 16.5 years and start all over again from scratch and memory. In a few months, you're going to get one of the shocks of your life when you finally manage to open the first of the two files containing the original, discontinued first draft. It's so awful, it needed to be started over. There was no way you could've salvaged the original by just writing around it.

I know you think you're supposed to want to get an agent and go through querying, but that's not really the best path for you. You only think you need an agent because you're not yet seeing any other types of messages from the writing community. It'll be a valuable learning experience, even if you won't immediately discover you're better-off going indie.

Good job on sticking with all these characters and stories, instead of feeling compelled to "move on" from what you created in youth. You write them so well as an adult because you've been with them through so much, and you matured together through the writing journey.

**P.S. Sergey doesn't deserve you. Dump the anti-kissing, walking DSM and his dysfunctional family, and find someone better. Maybe you'll nab one of those much-younger guys you've always wanted.**

_~ Carrie-Anne Brownian, historical fiction author_

carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com

#  Carrie Butler (co-host)

Dear 2010 Carrie,

Look at you—all bright-eyed and hopeful. You disgust me.

Just kidding! I love you. :) You've been writing casual serializations for years now, but the journey you're about to embark on is completely different. Don't give me that face. I'm serious.

You know how you're mad at the crappy market and looking to keep yourself afloat by pursuing your "true" interests amidst the job search? Yeah, that's not going to happen. You _will_ get a chance to use your marketing background, though. In fact, you'll probably use it more than you actually write... but that's another story. Let me give you a heads-up on a few things:

1. That manuscript you're toying with—the supernaturally-charged love story—is taboo in the publishing world. Not only is paranormal dead at the moment, but you're writing about ( _gasp_ ) college-aged characters. Most agents and editors won't take you seriously, and those who do will try to make you fit the mold. They'll tell you books like yours aren't saleable. They'll tell you there's no shelf space for another fiction category.

(They're wrong.)

Anyway, you'll start querying small presses and get two full requests within twenty-four hours. One of them ends up making an offer, and you'll have your first book deal! Sure, _Strength (Mark of Nexus #1)_ will be another year in the making, but your debut release is well received. Books sell, you're interviewed by USA Today, and you start to build your audience...

Then your publisher closes to submissions, and you take your rights back. _Womp, womp._

That's okay, though. Indie royalties are better, and you're good at being self-sufficient. Heck, by this time, you already have a graphic design business up and running. Eventually, you only need to outsource critiques, edits, and beta-reads. Way to keep those initial costs down!

2. Remember how we talked about the stigma related to college-aged (New Adult) fiction? After years of frustration, you finally decide to _make fetch happen_ by joining with seven other NA writers to create a website called NA Alley. There, you write informative posts, host giveaways, create resources, do interviews, etc. Many an hour is put into this project. You forget what sleep is like.

Fortunately, by the time the category takes off—thanks to the digital revolution, a few well-timed bestsellers, and an underserved market—NA Alley is in full gear. It acts as the hub for all things New Adult and continues to grow alongside the trend. You'll also hang out at the first #NALitChat on Twitter... and every one after that. You're excited about the way things are going!

3. Ready for the other shoe to drop? That excitement wanes in 2014. Just like any other industry, publishing is shaped by consumers' purchasing decisions. NA becomes synonymous with semi-erotic contemporary romance (despite the best efforts of many), and readers develop tropey sexpectations that many titles struggle to fulfill. You lose your niche.

That's okay, though. You accept it as you wrap up the fourth book in your series. It goes without saying that you'll always fight for diversity in the category, but it's time to branch out. You start working on projects across multiple categories and genres. It's cathartic.

So, while you do have a few stumbling blocks ahead of you, they ultimately prove useful. You end up learning to do so many things you never thought possible, like formatting ebooks and firing off emails without overanalyzing. Plus, you finally figure out the publishing path you want to take for the next leg of your journey: The Hybrid Pass.

I know, I know. Things seem pretty black and white in 2010. You think you're standing at a fork in the road, forced to choose between traditional and independent publishing. Well, guess what? It's 2014 now, and you can do whatever suits a particular project—even cue SNAP and play " _I Got the Power_ "!

Go ahead. Dance in your chair. Once you get that out of your system, go buy SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder; THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO PSYCHOLOGY by Carolyn Kaufman, Psy.D.; THE EMOTION THESAURUS by your future friends, Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi; and SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS by Browne and King. You'll end up keeping copies of them on your desk anyway. They're good resources to have on hand.

But I digress. My most important advice to you is _keep writing_ and celebrate every milestone—no matter how small it may seem. Things have a way of working themselves out. Just stick close to the amazing friends you'll make in the blogging community, and you'll be fine. Onward and upward! :)

Love,

2014 Carrie

_P.S. If this letter really does reach you in the past, I have a few investment suggestions to add..._

_~ Carrie Butler, author of the award-winning Mark of Nexus series & co-founder of NAAlley.com_

**www.carrieabutler.com**

#  Catherine Stine

Dear scared younger author self,

I know you're eager to write but terrified of spending so much time alone in a room creating stories. You think it might even drive you over the edge. I know you feel you have much to offer but are shaky because you have no road map to go by, and no mentors yet. You're brimming with stories, yet unsure of whether to keep doing your drawing and painting, which you were always praised for, or try this writing thing, which no one expected at all.

Let me be your mentor, after the fact. Others will talk with expertise about their amazing business plans, their early credentials. What I can do is clue you in on two extremely helpful things I learned: to trust in my gut instinct and to build community.

People aren't meant to do it alone. Not even writers. Yes, we sit alone in our writing studios and tap out our tales. True, unless you write for TV you don't write by committee. Find and build community. There are a myriad of helpful communities to tap into. First of all, I have my writer's group, a trusted group of fellow authors who workshop each other's manuscripts. This group provides a sense of joy, camaraderie, confidence and direction—and savvy revise notes! I also belong to a writer's space. There, I hear others tapping away on their keyboards, which spurs me on. I can take breaks from work and chat in the café area. Participation in member readings is another perk of being in this community.

Then, there's my team of publishers. I'm a hybrid author. This means big and small publishers have published me, and I've indie published. The traditional team consists of an editor, publicist, and agent. The indie team is not that different, except that I get to hire the experts I want—to custom create my team. So, find your perfect publishing community and don't settle for less.

Then, there's the book blogging community. You need these good folks to review your books, and to spread word. Giving back is essential. I frequently promote authors on my blog. I've even partnered with like-minded authors in a group blog. We cross-promote and discuss issues, successes and trade questions. Alone, but never really alone after all!

So, decide what you need in community. Then find and build it, and make sure to give back to it. Take your time to find the right ones. This brings me to the second important lesson I've learned. Follow your gut instincts! I was too shaky when I started, to live by this adage. I put certain writers, editors and agents on pedestals. I had people I barely even knew, much less trusted, reading and critiquing my manuscripts. I did too many changes, according to this or that random comment, without asking myself what I thought. What I truly felt deep down. Ultimately, a writer must listen to his or her gut. Without this prescient instinct as a rudder you can easily drift off your path.

Case in point: the first time I followed my gut on a serious professional level was when a big publishing firm (Random House) offered me a chance to revise one of my early novels on spec. I was still months away from graduating an MFA creative writing program, thus I was hugely flattered and excited by the possibility of being offered a contract. At a meeting with the senior editor and VIP of the company, no less, they ran down items they wanted me to do in a revision. But then they started to disagree with each other, and even to argue over how I should end the novel!

Needless to say, I was frozen in fear, and barely managed to scratch out notes. I shook their hands, and ran out. Not only did I disagree with one of them, I vehemently disagreed with both of them on how to end my novel (Refugees). I consternated, and meditated on it for days. And then, something clicked inside. I knew I had to go with my gut instinct, and keep the ending I wanted, while making other tweaks that I did agree with. I sent the manuscript back, literally quaking.

When I got a call two weeks later that they were offering me a contract, I felt deeply relieved . . . and vindicated! That was the beginning of always making sure I followed my gut.

So, good luck, be brave and celebrate being alone in your writing studio. Your characters will keep you company, plus all of the wonderful people in your writing community and mentors that you'll find on your way. You have your sixth sense to guide you.

_~ Catherine Stine, author of the award-winning YA Fireseed novels and the new adult novella, MODEL POSITION (by Kitsy Clare, pen name for NA romance)_

www.catherinestine.com

#  Christine Danek

Dear Past Self,

Hey there! It's me, you, but in the future. Crazy, right? Anyway, this journey you're about to embark on is crazy hard. Deep down, I think you know that, but you have to face it and embrace it. There will be a ton of rejection and heartache. Lots of tears and those demons that like to make you feel like you're not worth much. Yep, they'll come. When you query, they'll double, well, triple in size.

Stay strong. I know it's easy for me to say, but you must. You need to take the support when others offer. It's okay. It's doesn't make you weak. You know the people I'm talking about. They'll guide you and help you in so many ways. So listen to them.

And don't compare yourself to anyone. ANYONE. Everyone's path is different. It's true. I know you'll try and ignore me, but it's really true. All the feedback you get will be left up to you to determine. That whole follow-your-gut thing. Yep. It's true. You need to keep writing everyday and taking the opportunities that you know are good for you. Trust me.

When you query, let things slide off. Rejection only makes you stronger. I know that's something everyone tells you, but it's true. It still hurts, but you'll learn how to channel the hot pokers that strike your heart. Always be aware that there are options in publishing so keep an open mind. Success is only what you make it. And opinions are just that—opinions. Throw them up and let them fly like petals on the wind. Make sure to keep the ones you cherish close to your heart. You'll know who means well.

The confidence you have now will fade in and out. It may even get crushed. Don't let it. Remain strong and believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, it'll show. Never EVER think you're below anyone. Your path is different from the others. That's all. When you're at the point where it seems like everyone in the world is published or has an agent but you, you're still not below anyone. So please, don't think that.

Patience is also key. Now I know you pretty much have none so figure out how to deal with waiting months and months (possibly never) from agents. It's how this all works. There are no short cuts. Everything takes time so distract yourself by writing something else. It'll do you good. Think about it, the more you write the stronger you become.

And the biggy—this is all subjective. Not everyone is going to like your stuff. You don't like every book you read so not everyone will like yours. All you need to do is keep writing and enjoying the process of creating magic. All those characters in your head need a life on paper; otherwise, they'll drive you nuts when they talk all at once. No sense in that. You don't want to look crazy.

So keep going. You're on the right track. One day things will happen and some people will love your stories. Just believe in yourself and crush the doubting demons. They aren't kind and only hold you back. You are amazing and you will get there.

Love,

Your Future Self

_~ Christine Danek_

christinedanek.blogspot.com

#  Chrys Fey

Dear Seventeen-Year-Old Me,

I know you've had your fair share of trials and tribulations. Through all of your struggles to find a place to call home, to achieve your GED, and to understand your destiny, writing has been a constant companion, a faithful friend to take you away from your life on wings of blue and black ink. It was during this time of your life when you stopped writing and feared your muse had abandoned you like your imaginary friend had when you were a child, but you soon found her hiding behind unlikely inspiration; a band called 30 Seconds to Mars. It was with this music that you found your writing voice again and decided to rewrite the series you started when you were twelve, after a rusted screw sparked a story in your mind. You'll end up writing this series for six years. And those six years of your life will be amazing thanks to the characters that become your family, and their adventures.

Although you'll start shopping for an agent the moment you finish the first book, you'll end up finishing all four books and still won't have an agent. You'll feel discouraged because your dream was always to publish this series first. But you'll eventually realize this is an unrealistic idea for someone with no credentials, and that the best thing for you to do is to break into the publishing industry with another book.

Don't mourn the loss of your original dream. Instead, celebrate this new outcome, because your debut eBook, Hurricane Crimes, will pave the way for you to publish more stories that you love. Not only is it about something you know intimately; hurricanes, but the characters end up meaning a lot to you. And you'll find people who love your story and characters as much as you do. Thanks to them, you'll see that the story doesn't end with Hurricane Crimes. Before you know it you'll be writing a sequel and planning a series!

You see, even though you couldn't publish the series that will always be your first love, this epiphany that depressed you so ends up giving birth to the series that was meant to start your career. But don't you worry! I am stilling plodding toward our dream of publishing our four-book series. No matter how many rejections I get, I won't stop. That's just not an option for us and our characters, now is it?

Our name may not be in lights...yet, and our books may not be New York Times Best Sellers...yet, but that's okay. Because we both still have the hope that it can happen. Maybe not right away, maybe after a bunch of baby steps, and that's fine, because we know now that some things don't happen the way we want them to. Sometimes the detours and roadblocks end up being better.

Sincerely,

Chrys Fey (Yes, this is the pen name we decide on. Isn't it great?)

_~ Chrys Fey, author of HURRICANE CRIMES_

www.facebook.com/ChrysFey

#  Clare Dugmore

Hey 2010 Clare,

Even though you're still unpublished, you're getting ever closer. But more importantly, you're happy where you are as a writer. So here's my advice to you, gained from the experiences of the last three and a half years, since you moved away from fan-fic and started branching out with your own original stories, and NaNoWriMo.

First and foremost ... don't rush and don't compare yourself to others. This isn't a race to see who in the blogging world can be published first. Just because some of your writing friends publish before you, that doesn't mean you're not as good, or that you're lacking in skills. Your time will come when you and your stories are ready, so don't sweat it.

Accept that your first story will suck. Hell, even your second and third won't be perfect. But no words are wasted words - those shelved manuscripts can be resurrected, and even if you decide not to, every novel is experience. Every MS is another step towards honing your skills. So, keep at it. And if you have to start over a bunch of times, don't worry, eventually all the aspects you're seeking will fall into place.

Never discount an opportunity. If there's a contest, or a blog hop, or a job opening, go for it. Even if you don't think you'll get it. Putting your name out there not only builds confidence, and connects you with awesome writerly people, but the end results might just surprise you.

Just because something worked/ didn't work for someone, doesn't mean it's right or wrong for you. Sure, ask other writers for their opinions based on their experiences, but know everyone's path is different. Seek your own truths by doing your own research and looking deeply at all aspects of something. Couple your own instinct with the advice of trusted friends, and you're sure to find the right way.

Hang in there, and know that in 2014, you're happier with your writing, and closer to publication than ever before.

Love,

2014 Clare

_~ Clare Dugmore_

claredugmorewrites.blogspot.com

#  C. Lee McKenzie

Dear Lee (the one with fewer wrinkles),

Remember the day you signed your first contract? How could you forget it, right? You'd just stepped across a line you didn't think you ever would. You were on your way to being an author who published fiction. In the next few months you worked hard, you met your line edit deadlines, and then the book came out.

Wait.

Not exactly.

Remember, you'd arranged for a book signing at a major bookstore, but no books showed up. Not until you harangued the publisher and had them ship ten special delivery. Books came. That afternoon. Very close call.

The following year you signed another contract for a new book. Yay! Crossed another line, didn't you? You weren't going to be a one book author of fiction. All smiles, you flew to Florida to present a paper at the NCTE and to sign your new book at your publisher's booth. Only. . .guess what? No new books arrived, so you signed your first one.

Did you notice a pattern? Of course, you did, but you were writing. You were happy. Well, you were until the publisher announced they were shutting down their young adult imprint. Goodbye. Nice knowing you.

And then you had the joy of wresting your rights back. That only took a few months of nastiness, but you did it, and you put your stories out as ebooks, which the publisher had refused to do. You must still be scratching your head about that one.

Looking back, those were rough days, but here's what you learned: you can write well enough to interest people in reading your stories, with all of the changes in publishing, you have other options as an author, and you look for and take advantage of them. Most of all, you learned not to depend on publishers to get the word out about your books. You should expect some help, but a lot of marketing is up to you.

That last lesson led you to learning more than you ever thought possible about marketing. You were a nincompoop at blogging, but you started doing it anyway. You didn't know how to use any of the social media very well. Facebook was a mystery, but you managed to understand its strangeness and began using it as part of your marketing plan. Twitter became a great resource to put out word about your blog, your books, you. I see you pop up on LinkedIn and GoodReads, too. And you've managed to talk your books onto some bookstore shelves. You're doing workshops and book presentation every year at bookstores, libraries and schools. So I'd say it's a good thing you learned a bit about marketing, even if you did it a tad late.

I know you didn't expect to have your publisher close its doors, but while that was a terrible blow, you found something out about the publishing industry that's darned positive. Authors are the best support you'll ever find. When you network with them, they are the first to say, "How can I help you?" They'll blog about your books. They'll buy and read and review them. They understand what this industry is about, and they appreciate authors who don't give up and who offer support in return.

If you could change something about this writing journey, my bet is you'd change your preparation for the business side of things. Knowing more about marketing ahead of publication would have served you well. Am I right? Having a network of people willing to give you a shout out, would have helped a lot. Of course, if you had known some of the basic writer lingo you wouldn't have had to scramble to catch up with your more savvy writer friends. ARC? Trim Size? Galleys? You were a novice. So glad you're not one of those anymore.

All my best, Lee (the one with more wrinkles)

_~ C. Lee McKenzie, author of SLIDING ON THE EDGE, THE PRINCESS OF LAS PULGAS, and ALLIGATORS OVERHEAD_

www.cleemckenziebooks.com

#  Crystal Collier

Sprinting Vs. Jogging

Dear Past Self,

I know you're excited about this publishing thing, I mean, you did it! You finally finished writing a novel. That is by far the hardest step. BUT, before you jump off a proverbial bridge make sure you've got a bungee cord attached, because you're going to do a TON of springing back and forth. I hope you're ready for the emotional roller coaster that comes with the rest of the journey, although I know there's no way you can be.

If I told you you've got another 11 years before your first book is published, and this won't be it, would you be discouraged? If I told you you're going to write six more books before you get published, would you give up? If I told you you're going to completely rewrite THE book 7 times and go through over 100 minor drafts, learning a new principle with each one, would you grow too agitated about the road ahead?

What if I told you about the amazing critique partners you will meet? About the way your heart will break with each well-meaning suggestion as you learn how to take criticism? About the the wonderful bloghops and online support groups you will come to know? About the beta readers who will cheer you? About the literary agent who will encourage you to keep going? About the contests you will enter and lose? About the queries for short stories that will end in rejection? About other literary agents who will kindly refuse, not so kindly refuse, or not answer at all?

And after all that, life will get in the way. You'll look for fulfillment in other ways, but you'll always come back to your writing.

Regardless, here's what I really want to tell you: enjoy this path. Once you cross the finish line, you'll find there's another line over the next hill, and another, and another. The race never ends once you're officially entered, and all this jogging beforehand will give you the stamina, skills and fortitude to press through the downpours and steep inclines ahead. They will get steeper. The demands will feel nearly unbearable. You'll watch friends pass you by on all sides. You'll question why you can't be more like them, what you lack, and how you can possibly do better.

Persist, and you will find that golden moment of triumph.

You have a difficult and long road ahead, but it's a journey worth taking. I hope you know that, and I think you do. Don't rush. Savor each step. Be patient with yourself and your circumstance. You'll never be in this place again. Face the trials bravely, and when all else fails, eat cheese and be happy.

Sincerely,

Crystal Collier

_~ Crystal Collier, author of the Maiden of Time series_

crystalcollier.blogspot.com

#  D.A. Botta

Dearest Self,

I hope this letter finds you well. It's me, you. Well, future you, I should say. Let that sink in for a moment.

So, let me start by saying you should be very proud of yourself for completing all those novels. And the novella. And the poetry. I mean, at the very least your being so stubborn means you'll finish a thing or two. I know it's not really in you to be proud of anything you do, but really – for just a second – give it a shot.

I'm writing you to give you some advice from yourself in 2014 that might be useful to you in 2009. Just a few tidbits to steer you along a little better. It won't hurt a bit. Well ... it might. A bit. But that's all.

1. You're going to learn a hard lesson in 2010 when you go to publish your first novella. You're going to choose a vanity publisher. They will offer you a package that seems like a great idea full of book copies and posters and postcards and bookmarks. Don't do that! I know, I know. It sounds like a real easy way to get started. After all, it's just a silly novella, right? It's just a toe-dipping experience into publishing, right? No. No, no, no! You're going to regret the nearly $1200 you spend. You're going to regret the cover and the layout and the awful editing and the marketing stuff is just crap. In five years, you're still going to have 50 copies of your novella in a box somewhere in the attic, not ever wanting to admit that it's all garbage and should be tossed in the weekly recycling. You've definitely learned what not to do. You learned what to _never ever ever_ do again. So there's your $1200 lesson. Buck up, big guy. There are even more lessons; they're just far less expensive.

2. The second lesson is a bit of a doosey. Ok, how do I break this to you? All those romantic dreams you have of being "just a writer"? Those are delusions. You're going to spend far more hours tweeting and posting and blogging than you could ever imagine. Far more time, it seems, than it took to write the damn novels (and it will take an insane breadth of time for that!) in the first place. A lot of it is frustrating. It's just not about writing; it's about marketing. I know, the word still makes you want to throw up a little – even in 2014. But it's a necessary evil and you're just going to have to square with that.

I know. I know. You're wondering, "But isn't there any good news you can give me?"

Of course there is good news!

3. You'll meet some really amazing writers and discover a little community of creative folks who will fill a tremendous void in your life. They're extremely talented and full of advice. Some are indie published, some are self published, some are traditionally published, some are novelists, some are poets, some are successful, some are struggling (like you). It's a wonderful mix of company you keep. They give you the support and a much-needed kick in the ass from time to time.

I'm going to break some time traveling rules here and give you some names in advance. I hope the secret police of time travel don't throw you in wormhole prison for this!

  * Createspace – it's just way easier than anything else out there for self publishing
  * Jonathan Gunson – publishing and marketing guru extraordinaire
  * #NALitChat – it's a lot of Twitter fun every Thursday night at 9PM

4. All in all, remember that you love your writing. Even in the doldrums of depression and gut-punches of disappointment, and in the wonderful distractions of social media and the magnificent happiness your daughter will bring you (Ooops! Spoiler alert!), it's really about your avid love for creating and writing brilliant stories that keeps you whole.

It's the writing, stupid!

Now, quit your moping and go draft some query letters!

Much Love,

D A

_~ D A Botta, author of THERE IN THEM BLUES (poetry) and ELYZIAN CHRONICLES (fantasy novels)_

www.dabotta.com

#  Dana Mason

Hey Dana in 2008,

Yeah, you. I know it sounds crazy, but within the next few months, you're going to start on a new wild adventure. I know, I know, that really is crazy. Life is pretty good right now, and you're happy. A new adventure doesn't sound like fun...you like it safe. I promise you, this is going to be fun. Sometimes you'll want to kick yourself, and sometimes you'll have doubts, but you must keep moving forward.

What am I talking about, you ask?

Well...wait for it... you're going to write a novel. Um...actually you're going to write several novels. Something sparks and I still can't explain it, but GO WITH IT! Put pencil to paper and follow your heart.

Those character ideas in your head will run your life for a while, and they'll practically write that story for you. Follow them. Let them do the work. Trust it and follow your instincts. Take chances! Enter contests! Say yes!

You'll meet some fantastic people and make several new friends. You'll meet some shits too, and some of those shits will abandon you, but that's okay because you'll find out quick enough that you don't really need them. AND that's another place to follow your instincts, if they feel a little off to begin with, back off early.

Oh, and try not to break the bank at Barnes and Noble when you hit their resources section. They have some great books on how to write a novel, and you'll use them, but go easy at first. Most of that stuff is available online. Check out The Bookshelf Muse, they're no longer under that name, but trust me, you'll learn tons.

Have fun! Love you!

Dana from 2014

PS. Check out NaNoWriMo! You'll meet some great people and learn to let your hair down a little.

_~ Dana Mason, romance author_

www.danamasonromance.com

#  Dean K. Miller

Dear I wanna be, didn't believe I could be, now self-published author Dean:

First off, let me congratulate you on getting our first (hint, hint...there's more, right?) book published. Even now when I hold our book, it seems surreal. We did this, together. Pretty cool, huh? But since I can look back at our journey, I want to share a couple of things so when you do this, it will be even more fun than we had...I mean more fun than you think it will be.

Now, let's talk shop. It was amazing that the essays and poetry fell into place like they did. After a bit of feedback, you were smart to let the critique simmer before acting irrationally. In the end, you made the best choice by following the advice, with your own minor adjustments. Just prior to that time, do you remember that moment of impatience and sending the manuscript to the editor? I mean awesomeness that you found and paid for editing, but it was too early in the process. Better utilization of the editing software would have saved you a lot of time and effort in reformatting, fact checking, etc. as well. Think efficiency, not speed. Come on, you've got 26 years of government service. You know things take time. Publishing is often the same, whether necessary or not. Rushing won't get you a better product. Remember, breathe every now and then.

And then the books arrived! (I know totally cool, right?) Think about this: how much money did you spend mailing out free copies, gifts, promos, etc.? I believe for cost considerations and efficiency, you should have done an e-book first. Sure, you couldn't get the books on the New York or London subway systems right away, but they would have gotten there. You might have loosened the belt on our tight budget doing the e-book first. Let's really consider that next time.

Entering "The Tube"

Boy, did you ever hit it out of the park with your early promotions! Nice job there, partner. Your plan was pretty solid and you stuck to the important parts and let other pieces go. Do you see how much there is to gain by asking the right person the right question? Doors flew open to places you thought improbable. Now look at your book: Placed in 7 different countries, on International shipping waters and more than 20 states. Trust me; I'm working hard to continue our book's journey to new places.

Before we get too carried away with our congratulatory backslapping, let's not forget this important note: Even with self-publishing, there will be many who say "yes" and for whatever reason, not follow through. Not everybody wants to help and they aren't sure how to say no. Don't take this personally. You can't control what others say they will do. So stay focused on those things you can control, like learning more about self-publishing, generating more reviews, software capabilities, pricing strategies and such.

Having said that, always find one person you can trust. You need that extra set of eyes looking at your work from the outside without emotional attachment. He/she can provide feedback on your choices and bounce ideas back and forth. Two people would be even better. In the end, the final product is your work. Writing is a team effort. We still have too much to learn to go it alone (and we probably shouldn't try that anyway.)

So let's look ahead to books two and three. We can't change our timing on those now, but if they were ready to go, their release could really generate a buzz for our work. Of course, they have to be top notch, which is why I'm still working on them. I believe (and we can talk about this more) it would be best to have them both ready to roll and plan their release within a month or two of each other. Say, sometime mid-August maybe, to coincide with our scheduled guest blog post.

Well, that's it for now. For you, good job and again, congrats. You should be proud. For me, I'm back to the keyboard for re-writes and edits. August will get here before we know it.

Your biggest fan,

Dean K Miller

_~ Dean K. Miller, author of AND THEN I SMILED: REFLECTIONS ON A LIFE NOT YET COMPLETE_

www.deankmiller.com

#  Debi O'Neille

The Write Path

I've had a number of short stories and articles published in magazines and newspapers.

One lesson I tripped on along the way still haunts me. I submitted to a magazine that seemed a good home for one of my stories. This was back in the day when simultaneous submissions were an invitation to get yourself blackballed from a trusting publisher. Nowadays, as long as you disclose that a manuscript is a simultaneous submission, it's fine.

It didn't turn out fine for me twelve years ago. I never informed the publisher my story was a simultaneous submission, because initially, it wasn't. I submitted the story to them alone. However, a year and a half later, having not heard from them, I decided to remarket the story. I wanted to do it right. Following etiquette, I sent a note requesting that my story be withdrawn from their consideration. I had no way of knowing their acceptance letter crossed in the mail with my request.

Unfortunately, the publisher had already sent my story to press when my notice arrived, and she was upset. It was too late to stop the presses. I received a heated phone call. Yes, I apologized. Eighteen months is a long time to wait, so what should I have done? The professional thing would have been to send a status inquiry at least once before ever sending a notice to withdraw the submission. Had I sent a simple note stating that I'd like to keep the story in circulation if they weren't interested, and politely requested that they let me know how much more time they needed, the end result would have been better.

They would've informed me they'd already sent a letter of acceptance. And if they hadn't sent one yet at the time they received my inquiry, they at least would have been aware I wanted a decision made soon. Perhaps they would've told me that they needed only a couple more weeks to make sure they had room for the story before formally accepting it.

My story was published, and because I'd sent the story to another publisher the same day I sent the first a notice to withdraw, I immediately let the second publisher know the story had already been accepted elsewhere. When I received my free copy of the publication featuring my story, disappointment deflated any excitement I could've had. A few necessary words had been omitted from the first paragraph, leaving an unclear meaning in a verb-less mess. I tried to convince myself the omission wasn't a last-minute decision to pay me back for putting them under stress, but occasionally I've had doubts. On the other hand, publishers take pride in the magazines they put out, so it's unlikely there was any malicious intent. Still, because of that butchered paragraph, I've never whipped out that magazine for any bragging rights, nor have I dared submitting to **SOMETHING**.

The best thing to do, whether submitting to a print publication or an online journal, is to tell the editor or publisher upfront if your story is a simultaneous submission. If you feel you should have received a response by a given date and you haven't, send a polite inquiry before you even think about withdrawing your piece. They may have put time into pre-publication preparations just to make sure they could fit your story into available space before they let you know whether or not they could accept it. Just as you don't want your time wasted, don't waste theirs. No one should have to wait eighteen months, but if you do, then go the extra step to send out an inquiry before you make a rash **SOMETHING**.

_~ Debi O'Neille, award-winning writer of stories and articles_

debioneille.blogspot.com

#  Denise Covey

(((Happy dance)))

After years of carrying your dreams around in your pocket, it's time to get pen to paper!

Well, Denise, when you started out on this writing gig, you had a dream of eventually writing a novel, didn't you? But who realised it was going to be such a long and difficult journey! Remember how confident you felt at the outset that the world was waiting on tiptoe for the beautiful prose that would drip off your quill! How many years had you spent reading books? You could do that, right? Wrong!

Your first victim was _New Woman_ magazine. New magazine; surely they'd be looking for new writers? Wrong again! What to do with that first rejection? Well, hide it in a drawer and try not to think about it too much of course. How embarrassing to be turned away on your very first submission. It was time to think a bit harder about that dream.

Give up? Not an option. So, what to to?

Do a few more courses on writing.

• That Diploma of Journalism was pretty handy for learning how to pitch.

• Those creative writing courses helped get other opinions on your work.

• How-to books opened your eyes big time. Who knew there were so many books to nudge novices along the writing journey? You read a heap, but your go-to, can't-do-without book is, was, and ever will be 'Writing the Breakout Novel', by Donald Maas. The first time you used one of his writing prompts, you hit pay dirt. You entered that short story into a competition—and came second!

(((Happy dance)))

That dream was getting so close you could feel it, couldn't you? You were getting the idea of this writing gig. Here's where you adjusted the plan. You were going to keep writing short stories to learn your craft until you were ready to begin the Great Australian Novel. Might even help to earn a few dollars along the way to pay for all those books you were buying.

Was it easy getting short stories published? Uh uh, not at all. You learned the hard way, didn't you, that you have to read the magazine that you're pitching to. Then chances are they've just accepted a story like yours...or something along those lines. About this time you stumbled across 'How to Write and Sell Short Stories' by Della Galton. She taught you how to target specific magazines, taught you the wealth of genres to explore, taught you how to submit after making your story sparkle. The more you wrote, the better your stories became, and finally short story publication could be ticked off your to-do list.

(((Happy dance)))

And then you discovered blogging. That proved to be a good way to practise writing and to learn about writing from all those author gurus out there. Following a gazillion writing blogs was a fabulous idea, especially Karen Woodward's. Those excellent craft posts - writing scenes, writing short stories, writing novels! What more could a writer ask?

Blogging meant finding Critique Partners. Blogging meant writing at least once a week. Blogging meant sharing what you've learnt and offering opportunities to both established and newbie bloggers through writing challenges.

Now your dream of writing that novel is coming to fruition. After practising your craft by writing several novels during NaNoWriMo each November, you've finally finished one to publication stage. It's back from the editor and after re-writes it will be good to go.

So, what has ten-years-older Denise learnt so far?

• Write a lot, but don't beat yourself up if you don't write every day. Chill time can re-ignite that fire.

• Read a lot, both in your genre/s and out.

• Don't be daunted by best-selling writing. Learn from it. You too can write a best-seller.

• Don't rush into publication. It's not a race, it's a long-term goal.

• Remember, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

_~ Denise Covey, writer of romantic fiction - flash fiction, short stories, contemporary novels_

laussieswritingblog.blogspot.com

#  Diana Wilder

Dear Diana,

So you've decided that you like to write and you like entertaining people with your writing. Now you are getting ready to do what it takes to be published. It's pretty exciting, isn't it? I remember how it was. And I remember, too, how slowly things happened, how much waiting there was.

There are a lot of lessons to learn, and experience does tend to be the best teacher, but let me give you a few pointers that will help smooth things:

* Cultivate Humility / Drop Your Arrogance

You may have ability, talent and drive, but so do a whole lot of other people. If you keep shouting about it, they will (choose one metaphor): pull out their earphones/ switch channels/ cut you dead/ dismiss you as a pain in the neck/ actively hate you.

Years ago, just out of college, I sent around a manuscript. I received a rejection note that said that the manuscript needed work. I am embarrassed to say that I wrote back a long, angry letter saying that I didn't need to improve the thing. (Did I say I was very young?) I came to my senses not long after that. I have _never_ gone into a tirade with anyone. (And I have never queried that agent – who was very nice to send me a detailed comment)

* Don't be Shy

Yes, I know I wrote the paragraphs above. Odd as it sounds, while some writers seem to be arrogant, I think many of us have a fear that people will read our work and find it lacking. Well, maybe someone will. You have to deal with that. But if you don't ask for advice, for input, for guidance, you will never know how you are perceived, and you will never know how you can grow.

* Don't put all your basques in one exit – er, I mean – Don't put all your EGGS in one BASKET.

Ideas for other stories will occur to you: write them down. Make some notes. You will have something to fall back on when you finish your current, engrossing project. Believe me, the sense of futility when you have nothing to turn your energy to can be crippling. This helps avoid it.

* Carry a notebook and jot your ideas.

You will also end up jotting grocery lists, phone numbers, the name of that wonderful recipe someone made that you plan to look up. That is all right. The presence of a notebook where you put your jotting is crucial. Otherwise you'll be writing on napkins, on the back of dinner receipts, on brochures, and what you don't end up throwing out unintentionally will be crumpled beyond retrieval and all your magnificent notions will be lost. (The magnificence of a notion increases in direct proportion to your inability to locate and capture it, by the way.)

*BACK UP YOUR WORK.

Not in one single location. Remember when your hard drive crashed? If you hadn't heeded that advice you would be in the soup now!

*Do your research

This is a piece of advice that can be taken many ways. If you're writing about history, make sure it's accurate, or else give reasons for any deviation from the facts. In this case, though, I am talking about researching the steps you have to take to meet your goal, and the players along the way. www.pred-ed.com is not a bad place to start. I would never have had all my work sidelined by a dishonest agent if I had done that years ago. To be honest, Pred-Ed did not exist, and I was not on the Internet, but I could have curbed my wishful thinking and taken the time to check things out.

*Write a working Pitch, Synopsis and Blurb for each project.

Seek advice on them. As a story evolves, they will change, but you can't publish without them, whether you self-publish or go the Traditional route. It is an excellent idea, as well, to have a condensed pitch, 300 characters or less, to put in online submissions as well as a super-short twitter pitch that you can throw into the mix when there is a 'Twitter Pitch Frenzy'. Tweak them regularly.

* Improve yourself:

You're a good writer. You know it, people you respect have been telling you so. You can feel the talent you have, and you find nothing so satisfying as finishing a scene and knowing that it works. I have some news for you: _if you do things right, you will be a far, far better writer in a few years than you are at this moment._

I'm not saying you're bad. I'm saying that if you do things right, you will continue to improve. Read other books. Listen to people. Keep notebooks. Let yourself grow.

I wish I had attended more workshops and conferences. I'm doing that now. No one is going to look at you and voice your secret fear: that you are a phony. If you write, you're a writer. And you'll gain confidence and comfort associating with other writers. You will also get some fabulous ideas and tools.

*Roll with the punches

There are two or three bestselling, quality authors whose work I really don't like. It doesn't mean they are bad: it means that they are not to my taste. Apply that thought to yourself. You are writing stories. Some people will love your work and some will declare that they would rather have their teeth pulled than read anything you have written. Even the nastiest expression of dislike can have a grain of helpfulness in it, if you look at them the right way.

*Associate with other writers.

You learn a lot by listening and paying attention. And you can share what you know. It's rare that even the most green newbie doesn't have something I haven't thought of. And other writers make great beta-readers.

*Contribute (or, 'Give as well as take')

If someone does you a favor, return the favor. Do a beta-read. Offer a line edit (just make sure you're good at grammar and punctuation) or a character critique.

*Appreciate your readers

*When you are contacted by a reader, take it as the compliment it is and respond promptly and pleasantly. You wrote your stories for your readers. They are your customers. Never, ever, ever respond to a review, especially an unfavorable one.

*Be accessible.

If someone is interested in your writing, that person is also interested in _you_. An online presence is crucial. And be selective about what you put there.

*Stop viewing other writers as adversaries.

As Hart Johnson said in an interview I posted, we are not in competition. The more good stories are out there, the more people will read them and want more. Sincere compliments are always a good idea. And if someone says something nasty about you, ignore it.

And the most important advice is this:

*Write.

Just keep writing. Even if you think it won't go anywhere, write. Edit your work, jot ideas, fiddle with plans if you like – but at least once a day write something. It is odd how putting forth effort actually strengthens you. I learned this after a years-long dry spell. It was wonderful when the log jam broke. The dry years were very hard.

Those are my thoughts. I hope they help you.

Much love and a smile,

Diana

_~ Diana Wilder_

www.dianawilderauthor.com

#  E. Arroyo

_Compiler's Note: This entry is addressed to a role model._

Dear Mr. King,

I read your book, IT, when I was still in elementary school. It was the first book I remember ever reading up to that point in my life. We couldn't afford books in my house and walking to the library wasn't something one did lightly in my neighborhood. My mom often warned me of the dangerous world we lived in where children were abducted and ducking from bullets was taught at a young age. I lived in Chicago.

But the library was worth the risk.

After finishing IT, I knew that I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to create worlds and characters and put them through impossible odds to see how they come out at the end. This was a turning point in my life. At fourteen, I started writing anything that came to me—horror, fantasy. It became hard to shut off the part of my brain that controls imagination. I saw stories everywhere.

Twenty something years flew by when I found myself staring down that same path: writing. It was then that I started learning how to write. I purchased how-to books, made wonderful friends online, and even started submitting. Three years later I published my first short story and soon after my first novel.

The road was not what I expected and I regret waiting so long to realize that my imagination was not going anywhere and the incessant call to write was part of me. I regret thinking back then that I had to take a "just in case" career. Although, my personal experiences shaped the writer I would become.

I learned a few things in the twenty something years from inspiration to execution

• Writing can be learned.

• The small press experience was not what I expected but it was right for my career at that point.

• The work doesn't finish when you write "the end" on the page.

• Writers wear many hats...many, many hats

• I learned to cherish the relationships I made online with fellow writers. I am a lurker and rarely reach out and ask for help, but when I have, I found amazing people there to help. They are an awesome family and probably the only ones that will ever understand me.

• I learned to measure success by what I can control. I can't control an agent's taste, but I can make sure my query and work shines. I can't control a review, but I can ground myself in reality to keep from being discouraged.

• I learned never to compare myself with another writer. Every journey is different.

If I could go back to my younger self I'd tell her to believe in her dreams, to learn everything there is about writing a compelling story, and not to rush submissions. Follow your gut. And if everything turns out totally bad, blame the muse.

_~ E. Arroyo_

www.elizabetharroyo.com

#  E.J. Wesley

**TO:** Past E.J. Wesley, Future author of the Moonsongs series   
**FROM:** Future E.J. Wesley, author of the Moonsongs series   
**CC:** All of writerdom

Dear Past E.J.,

You're probably tripping out right now, but yes, you will actually publish something. Oh, and there'll be technology that will allow me to communicate with you and share wisdom and warnings from the future!

Whatever you do, do NOT take the bus on April 24, 2004. You'll get the last seat, forcing another man to wait for the next bus. He's a scientist, and you just caused him to miss a very important meeting. Furious, he'll set off a chain of events eventually leading to the melting of the polar icecap and the end of the world!

*waits for mind to explode and reassemble*

Calm down, I'm messing with you.

_God, were we really that uptight and gullible?_

I'm only here long enough to offer you a few words of writerly wisdom. Other than that, you're basically on your own.

Well, not completely alone. You're going to bump into a lot of writers along the way to that first publication. They're determined, vulnerable, creative, fun—basically, they're everything you're going to need to be to reach your goals.

These writing friends will carry you when you think you can't move forward, push you when you're too afraid to make the next jump, and be the first to cheer when you do cross the finish line. Get to know as many of them as you can, and always be willing to help them along in return.

You're just getting started. I know it's hard to see anything beyond the mountain you're staring up at, but there's karma involved in this writing business. The energy you put in, both positive and negative, always come back to you. So strive to be a force of positive energy in the writing community.

In fact, we'll call that one of Future E.J.'s writing proverbs. Let me share a few more with you:

You'll never be as talented of a writer as you want to be. That's a good thing.

Quit worrying and write.

Quit researching agents and write.

Quit blogging so much and write.

Quit eating so much red meat (seriously, you don't want to know what our cholesterol is going to look like at 32) and write.

(You're getting the idea by now—just write.)

Throw away word counts and tell the story.

Slow, fast, pantser, plotter—who cares, tell the story.

Finding your voice requires listening to feedback.

Focus on what your critique partners are saying you're doing right instead of fretting over things you're doing wrong.

Fixing mistakes isn't nearly as important to your writing development as accentuating what you do well.

Using first person POV is a good way to let your personality shine through your writing. If you get stuck trying to write like J.K. Rowling or Stephen King, give it a shot. (PRO TIP: You're never going to be J.K. Rowling or Stephen King ... also a good thing.)

Until you've identified what's right and wrong with a story, it—and you—will never be as good as they can be. So embrace feedback, don't fear it.

The real work of writing is in revisions. It's also the dividing line between authors and writers. You won't crossover until you learn to put just as much (or more) effort into perfecting the story as you did creating it.

Stories aren't babies. They don't come out of your brain fully developed and beautiful, and you aren't obligated to love them just as they are.

If you insist on calling a story your baby, then be a cruel parent. Judge them harshly, discipline them regularly, and never let them cut corners.

The first thing you write that makes you wonder if others will think you're insane, evil, or suicidal for coming up with will likely be the best thing you've written. Do it again and again.

If your rational brain thinks something you've written is funny, sexy, scary, or intense you're likely not going deep enough. When you start coming up with things you couldn't even imagine, you're onto something.

Nothing is a waste of your time so long as you turn it into fuel for your writing. And in writing, everything can be used for fuel.

Writer's block is just another expression for procrastination. Simply choose not to do it.

(And—you guessed it—keep writing.)

The only truly unworthy story is the one that goes unwritten. So write them all. Once the words are out of your head, you've succeeded in furthering your craft and ability if nothing else.

A writing career isn't what you think it is. It's better. All of the limitations you think you have, all of the barriers you imagine in front of you, and all of the failures you believe you've had will be stepping stones on a journey to always greater things. You'll only fail if you quit going.

Well, that should be enough to get you started. There are plenty of non-writing lessons you'll learn along the way, like understanding that nothing in the publishing industry is certain. And to never trust anyone who says there's only one way to do something.

Those things, however, are always secondary to the writing. The words must always come first, and so long as you remember that you're going to be very proud of me ... I mean you. Us. We? Oh hell, just keep writing.

Sincerely,

Future E.J.

_~ E.J. Wesley, author of the Moonsongs series_

www.ejwesley.com

#  Elaine Kaye

Dear Young Elaine,

Before marriage, before kids, you dared to dream of being a writer. You never thought being a writer was something you could just do one day. You always thought writing entailed a lot of hard work, so you didn't give your dream a chance until a fellow employee mentioned she was writing a book, and you finally thought, "If she can write one then so can I!" This woman planted the seed to write for yourself and you made that seed into a sprout by finally finding the courage to pick up a pen. And just like that you were a writer! How easy was that?

The words flow until you have two books in a series written with plans for a third. Then your life gets in the way and soon you are raising five children. You set aside your books to take your oldest daughter to tap dance and jazz class, your second daughter to gymnastics, and your second son to karate. You spend your days taking care of the house, helping with school projects, and in the summer, keeping your kids interested in learning.

When all of your children are in school, you get out your first novel and start querying agents. For the longest time, you'll suffer and receive rejection after rejection for years on end.

Then one day you discover something new – INSPIRATION. You write on anything at hand, including sales receipts. The first shining inspiration for a children's story comes from your son, who loves pea soup, and his Cabbage Patch doll. It doesn't take long before you have ten children's stories in a series.

The name of a road inspires another children's book, and your daughter's turtle inspires yet another. From a tiny mouse trapped on a porch to squirrels on power lines, story ideas keep coming left and right.

Through all these years of writing, I have always made sure to have a pen and paper tucked away in my purse, on my nightstand, or next to my chair while I'm watching TV, because you just never know when inspiration will hit.

Take it from me, there is nothing worse than believing you'll remember a story in the morning, only to wake up and not have a clue. So always be prepared or else our story ideas will fly out the window!

Although you haven't published a book yet, we will continue to follow that dream. It will come true for us! In the mean time, keep writing and keep getting inspired.

Yours,

Elaine Kaye

_~ Elaine Kaye_

www.facebook.com/ElaineKayeAuthor

#  Eleyne-Mari

Dear "E":

Have you ever heard the expression, "There are many paths to the same destination?" Well, how many writers can say their journey began with a gypsy fortune teller?

At age 23, you took a daytrip to Rockport, Massachusetts and while strolling along Bearskin Neck, you saw a flashing, purple "Palm Readings" sign. You had nothing better to do so you walked into the shop and was greeted by a gypsy fortune teller with a bad cold. She coughed and sneezed, wiping her crusty nose with her ragged talon and using that same wet finger to trace a line on your otherwise dry palm. "You are a writer," she cackled. "I'm a singer," you argued.

As you know, the gypsy's prediction was right on the money because within a few years you had abandoned your singing career, enrolled in a creative writing class, entered a statewide short story contest and won first place!

So you're a contest winner. And now you've decided to become a "real" writer and I can picture you sitting there, staring at a blank wall for answers, wondering how to get published. As someone who's known you all your life, I don't need a crystal ball to predict that you will become a journalist, copywriter, newspaper editor, book publisher and the founder of a national writers' organization. Does that surprise you? I know you suffer from low self-esteem and you think this whole contest thing was a major fluke. Well, to quote Cher's immortal words in her future Oscar-winning performance in Moonstruck, "Snap out of it!"

"Real" writers need certain tools and resources, so get thee to the bookstore and buy Roget's Thesaurus and the latest Writer's Market Guide. You're not interested in becoming a novelist right now but you do want to be published and the quickest way I know to "break in" and build your portfolio is to freelance.

It may sound boring to a creative type like you, but writing nonfiction articles will help you become a more productive, more marketable writer. For now, develop a list of story ideas and then consult Writer's Digest magazine to learn how to write a good query letter. Contact the local publications first and don't be afraid to pitch stories to editors—that's how you sold your first piece to The Daily Camera.

One day you will move to Colorado, meet and interview an actor who owns a singing telegram service and enjoy the publication of your first article. Imagine—your byline in a major newspaper! Once you've submitted an article, keep a log, detailing the date the article was sent and the response you received. Should you get a rejection letter, see if there's something that needs to be tweaked before you send that same article to the next publisher. Avoid being too wordy and learn how to tighten your work by self-editing.

I know one of your greatest fears is being rejected. Again, I say: "Snap out of it!" You see rejections as big, red signs that scream, Stop! I'm a failure, but they're not. Rejections are merely temporary roadblocks, so observe them but don't let them deter you from reaching your destination.

Writer's block will be another obstacle. Whenever you're faced with a blank mind, get up from your chair and go observe something. Not just a glance, but a thorough examination, as if you're seeing it for the first time: A painting. A child. Your pets. A fir tree. The inside of the refrigerator. The Oriental rug in your bedroom. Reading a book, coloring a picture or watching a news report can help stimulate ideas, too. And so can listening. Listen to music. Listen to your heartbeat. Listen to the conversations of others. (This might sound rude, but writers do make the best eavesdroppers in the world. Besides, it's research.)

Looking back, I wish I hadn't worried so much about the critics. Don't let anyone tell you to stop writing, you'll never get published or you're wasting your time. You deserve encouragement and support and if it can only come from you, so be it. You have your own unique writing voice. No one writes like you. No one thinks like you. No one has experiences exactly like you. This is your life, so don't be afraid to pull the plug on unhealthy relationships, personal or professional. Be your own best friend.

There will be a happy ending, I promise. And the day you do decide to write a full-fledged book, you will already be an experienced, published writer. So until you catch up to my wise old age of 58 and three-quarters, please keep reading, writing and submitting your work because (as that gypsy correctly predicted) you are a writer!

Love,

Eleyne-Mari

_~ Eleyne-Mari_

www.writelighter.com

#  Elizabeth Hein

Listen to all voices. Follow your own.

It may feel like you are blindly wandering down your writing path, but you have a good sense of direction. Trust yourself and learn what you need to know along the way. Don't mistake inexperience for ignorance. Read every book on the craft of writing you can find. Take notes and revisit your favorite guidebooks often. Put yourself out there and join critique groups. They won't all work out, but some will. Look for words of wisdom wherever you can. Listen to every voice you can hear, but don't ignore the voice inside your own head.

You will encounter many conflicting voices along your path to publication. Most of them fall into one of three groups – friends and family, critique partners, and teachers. Your friends and family love you. They may not love what you write. You can't let the fear of upsetting people hobble you. If you're worried that Aunt Matilda will recognize herself in one of your characters, you won't be able to write as authentically as you should. Some family members will not be supportive. They will worry that your book about a cheating husband that gives his wife an STD will be misconstrued as being autobiographical and reflecting poorly on them. Write the book anyway. They will be much more enthusiastic about your next book that has to do with child abuse, cancer, and friendship. You can't hold back. Write what you feel compelled to write. Aunt Matilda doesn't need your approval before deciding which houses she will list as a real estate broker. You do not need her approval when you are planning your plots. Listen to your loved one's opinions, then close your office door, and write your book.

The path from concept to finished book can be a long, lonely journey. You will need to commiserate with other writers about the frustrations and joys of the writing process. A critique group can keep you going when you are stuck in the murky middle of a project. That being said, choose your friends wisely. Don't share your early drafts with just anyone. Look for critique partners that are in similar places in their writing careers, write similar types of books, and can give non-judgmental critiques. Don't be afraid to walk away from a group that isn't serious about improving their writing or isn't supportive of you as a writer. Don't let anyone tell you how your book "should" be, especially before it is fully realized. Look for those few people that can nurture you with constructive criticism and have the wisdom to help you hone your own voice.

You will make many mistakes along your writing path, and you will make many more. One mistake to be careful of is allowing your insecurity to allow you to take bad advice solely because you are paying for the advice. Don't go on that intensive three-day workshop where four authors send in the first fifty pages of a work-in-progress and the instructor rips your manuscripts apart. It will be brutal and set you back for over a year. Don't believe the teacher when she tells you that if you want to write women's fiction, a romance needs to be the central part of the plot, the main character has to be young, and you can't have the main character get diagnosed with cancer. You know better. Look at your bookshelves and see all the books that do not conform to those structures. Not all advice is good advice. Take the nuggets of truth in her advice and leave the other stuff behind. Do keep all of your class notes though. Sometimes it's hard to absorb all the information coming at you. After you're finished licking your wounds from that weekend, take the intention behind the instructors words to heart and make sure you temper the darker parts of your work with humor. Go ahead and write about difficult subjects but make sure there is a light to balance out the darkness. A dark chocolate torte is enhanced by a little whipped cream and strawberries on the side. Seek out as many good teachers as you can. Listen to what they have to say, then make your own decisions. Study your genre like you would any other topic. Instead of writing what someone else thinks you should write, write a good book and then figure out where it fits in within a larger genre.

You will always be a student of writing. Look for wisdom wherever you can find it. Everyone has something to offer. Learn to listen to all the voices through the filter of your own vision.

_~ Elizabeth Hein, author of HOW TO CLIMB THE EIFFEL TOWER_

www.ElizabethHein.com

#  Elizabeth Seckman

Dear Younger Me,

Put this on a post it note and pin it to your forehead, or your desk...you pick. But write this down word for word and duct tape that puppy where you can see it every day.

"Cry me a freakin' river."

Here's the deal....

You get to publish a book. Then another and another and another, which totally means you're on the Write Path.

But it's a tricky path, with plot holes, twists, turns, and the whole hike is up hill...both ways. I suggest you put your hiking boots on. Don't want to get blisters and quit. Pack your compass, so you know what guides you...love of writing goof...not cash. Geesh. Quit obsessing over money. Just keep going. I know, I know...you feel lost at times and think you should turn back, fortunately you have great friends who won't let you.

Friends? You ask...yes, you have friends! You know that blog you didn't want to start? Turns out it was your life line. Maybe you should ask them to remind you to _Cry me a freakin' river_.

What's the river of tears all about? Golly, you're so impatient! Don't you remember? You think it every day right now...every time you read a blog post whining about sales, marketing, and contracts...you think to yourself, _Cry me a freakin' river. My day started with rejections, want to trade me places, ya freakin' whiner?_

Remember these days...there are writers who would love to have your problems.

Oh, and seriously, can you just pause every now and then and appreciate the scenery while you go? The trip is half the fun. I swear.

Love,

Future You

P.S. Swap the chocolate with carrot sticks as writing snacks right now! And buy better sunblock. You get pastier every year from the lack of sun exposure, so when you go out, wear a brand with an armor factor.

_~ Elizabeth Seckman_

eseckman.blogspot.com

#  Emma Adams

Dear 2010 Emma,

This isn't going to be an easy journey. I think you know that already. The world's already conspiring to stop you starting that novel. Every day that passes makes you grind your teeth with frustration. Time feels like it's slipping away.

Here's a secret: there is no time limit. There is no ticking clock. If you don't get published before you turn 18, you aren't a failure.

That creative writing course you set your heart on? It isn't the end of the world if they don't offer you a place. You don't need validation in order to write a novel. You don't need to belong to a prestigious university course to be published. Writing that portfolio for your application feels like it's sucking out your soul? That's your first clue. Write what you want, not what you think other people want. If they only want "serious fiction", it isn't the right course for you. Your ideas and quirks and odd stories are what make you unique, and stifling them with a literary voice will kill your passion.

You're more likely to use your skill at analysing Shakespeare in your writing career than the ability to write a decent seven-line poem in one minute under the watchful eye of an interviewer. So don't worry about that cringe-worthy mess you scribbled down. No one will remember it. Honest.

Emma, for pity's sake, please, please don't think it's a good idea to snail-mail one submission at a time. Those poor trees!

It's probably a good plan to think of something witty to say when you ask your creative writing tutor for their advice on submitting your novel for publication and they tell you you're too young to be thinking about that. Without actually asking what you're writing about.

The internet will be the best thing that ever happened to you. You'll discover the wonderful online writing community, find critique partners, and learn more from online articles than from three years of university.

I know you love your characters. I know you love that story. But that doesn't mean you'll never love another story again. Yes, many tears will be shed. But it's a writer's rite of passage. It isn't the peak of your writing ability. It's the cue to move on and try something new. Fill that hole in your life with wonderful new worlds and characters.

*whispers* That notebook you lost down the back of the desk might contain some interesting ideas...

Sometimes you'll wish you could turn back the clock. Don't. You'll learn some hard lessons, but you'll emerge the stronger for it, and every mistake will teach you something new, and bring you closer to that dream.

Love,

2014 Emma

_~ Emma L. Adams, author of the Darkworld series_

throughthegateway.blogspot.co.uk

#  Gina Stoneheart

To my beloved and aspiring author to-be,

There is so much I want to tell you as you begin to thrust yourself down the publishing rabbit hole. I will make this brief since there will be tons of others helping to guide you along the beginning of your journey. I want to share with you some of the things I have learned which helped create the stepping stones toward our final destination together within this industry.

First and most importantly, before you think about writing or even publishing your book, begin building your brand. This could take a long time so be prepared to be committed. Since you are interested in publishing both children's books and adult fiction, you will have to set aside a good amount of time before the day job begins. Begin reaching out and connecting with parenting blogs, mommy bloggers, book reviewers, publishing houses, and other authors and bloggers.

If you've already written your book and have yet to build your brand, don't worry! There is still plenty of time. Begin making your way around the online writing community while attending writing conferences and seminars to polish off any skills you think you may or may not have.

Give tons of reviews for other authors' books; especially those who you begin to build strong relationships with. Get to know your community. I can't stress this enough. You don't want to be one of those people who goes around asking for reviews once your book is released. This is a big NO, NO.

Throw yourself out there and don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is super nice in the world wide web of writers. But try to do these things BEFORE you seek publication. You want a strong platform and audience welcoming your book once it is released.

Since I've had a lot of experience visiting schools, libraries and bookstores, I suggest you make a list of all of these establishments throughout New Jersey and make an effort to reach out to them right before your book is released. This will save you a lot more time for promoting and writing your 2nd book and even give you extra room to book author visits and presentations once your work goes on sale. You don't want to be cramping everything during the school year when you are being hounded to write your second book; not to mention that adult fiction novel you have been meandering about. The more prepared you are before publication, the better off you will be when it comes to making time for social media and most importantly; your writing.

I also highly recommend you start a blog. In fact, I'm telling you that you must submerge yourself into the blogging world; specifically before the release of your children's book and novel. There is a boundless sea of authors, writers and bloggers out there building their brands by blogging. This is a brilliant way to build better relationships and make long-lasting connections with your colleagues. Not to mention; if and when you decide to query agents, you will have something solid to show them other than your manuscript. The more people you have engaging with you and your blog, the better. And don't be shy when it comes to visiting others' blogs. It is very important to read and share your input on their posts as well.

Lastly, remember to take time for yourself. Sometimes, it's good to unplug and relax away from networking and social media. Don't lose yourself amongst the thousands of tweets and Facebook posts you will be sending each day. You started this journey because you are a writer and the most important thing you can do as a writer is WRITE.

Never give up on your dreams and keep pushing yourself closer to the grandeur goal. Rejections build character and make us stronger so don't ever give up. This is YOUR life... YOUR dream... and YOUR journey; no one else's. And if you ever have to choose whether or not to catch up on social media or write a few thousand words for your book, do what your heart tells you to do. Social media will always be a few taps of the keyboard away; but ideas and musings of our mind and heart come and go. Don't turn them away because of Twitter and Facebook. Those things can wait; however, writing the GREAT... this can never wait. Someday, your GREAT will define the destination of your FATE.

_~ Gina Stoneheart, children's book author and adult fiction novelist_

dawningonanewday.blogspot.com

#  Heather M. Gardner

Dear 2010 Heather,

You should have taken up scrap booking.

Remember?

You started this blog in May of 2010 right after you sent your first manuscript off to an agent.

You needed an outlet, a place to talk, vent and rant about your publishing journey.

You named the blog, The Waiting is the Hardest Part and you said, and I quote, " _If I had known how hard it was going to be to get a story out of my head, on to the paper and out to the world, I may have taken up scrap booking instead_."

I suppose there's still time.

Okay, maybe I'm being too hard on you, but you've had a rough few years. This is a pretty tough business to try and break into and you really only did it on a whim.

You never dreamed of being published.

The problem is, you do get published. Not that first manuscript, that one sucked, but a second story. The beginning of a series.

For a brief shining moment, you are freakin' awesome.

But, the moment crashes and burns and you find yourself back to square one.

You can blame yourself from now until the cows come home, but you didn't make the small publisher close its doors and refuse to answer emails and not send out royalty checks.

But, this is where you're going to have to dig deep. You're going to have to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and start kicking some major butt.

Because, now that you've had a taste of that fame, you want more. You want more five-star reviews. You want more emails with praise and compliments.

You want more people asking for autographs and about your next book. You want more fans. You want more people asking for you to speak at their book discussion group.

And, that's not going to come easy. It's never going to get any easier. Nothing worth having comes easy. It's always going to be hard.

You made it this far.

Don't give up. Don't give in.

Keep writing. Keep improving.

Keep moving forward.

Sincerely,

2014 Heather

p.s. When the Gnome shows up don't question it. Just go with it.

p.p.s. Buy The Emotion Thesaurus. You can't write without it.

_~ Heather M. Gardner, author of The Maguire's Corner series_

hmgardner.blogspot.com

#  Ian S. Bott

Dear Budding Botanist,

It's exactly ten years on since you put first halting and painfully self-conscious words on the page, when you decided (and Space only knows how the heck that happened) that you could write a novel.

In those first months, as the pile of words grew, you were convinced that the literary world would beat a path to your door, lapping up the sheer beauty of your glowing prose.

_*Cough*_

I've got news for you, and you ain't gonna like it!

_Publication_ is a cold, uncaring, profit-motivated business. It doesn't care about you or your stories unless it can see a clear and sure-fire path to making money out of you. I'm not knocking this, it's a legitimate business model especially given the vast number of talented writers out there, but it does lead to behavior that makes it enormously difficult for new writers to break in.

The good news is that the world of _writing_ is a wonderfully diverse and supportive community. All real writers know how hard the publication process is, and they band together to help and encourage each other. I don't think you'll find anything like it elsewhere in the creative arts.

So, here are some things you should know to help you on your way.

Have fun

This is paramount, and it is not some feel-good wishy-washy idealistic crap. Readers can _tell_ when you're having fun and when you're just going through the motions. The parts that you had most fun writing will often also be the most enjoyable to read.

Take the opportunity to torture your characters. Make then act in ways that you would never dare. Bring the reader into your mind and share the wonders of your imaginary world. Write what you enjoy and make your enthusiasm shine on the page. Have fun.

Know your own mind

Throughout the writing and publishing process, you will be bombarded with advice. The more advice you hear, the more confused you will get. For every "thou shalt" you read about, there is someone equally experienced preaching the opposite.

For the most part, there are no absolute right answers. Sure, there are some answers that are more or less likely to lead to a good outcome, and some that will almost certainly torpedo your efforts, but there's a vast no-man's-land in between where it's largely a matter of preference.

So, what to do?

The most important thing to remember is that this is _your_ journey. Not somebody else's. If you heed some advice and it doesn't pan out, the only person to blame is yourself, so become self-reliant and take responsibility for your own destiny. All I can advise here is to read and research and draw your own _informed_ conclusions. Know your own mind and work out what's right for you.

That's not to say be obstinate and insist you know best, but choose carefully which advice to follow and which to set aside. Do so knowingly, and own the outcome.

Pull your finger out

Your story is doing nobody any good sitting on your hard drive. You are in danger of wasting years on the agent query lottery and there are respectable alternatives to traditional publishing. You are living in times when technology and social media are connecting people like never before, and shaking the foundations of brick-and-mortar bookselling. Be a positive part of the revolution.

The onus is still on you to craft the best product you possibly can. Don't take shortcuts. Polish your story until it is something you are proud of, until you reach the point where you find you are editing but no longer really improving. Then...

... _Get off your sorry butt and get it out there._

Good luck and best wishes

Old and Creaky Botanist

_~ Ian S. Bott_

www.iansbott.com

#  Ilima Todd

To my starry-eyed wannabe writer self,

So, you want to be published? Are you sure? I mean really _really_ sure? Because it's going to be stressful and hard, and there will be tears. Lots of tears. Basically you will feel all the emotions to the extreme in this journey. Which means there will be happy tears as well. But still. Make sure you want this more than anything because while I think it's worth it, it will be quite the refiner's fire.

You still want to go for it? Okay. Here are a few things that might be helpful to know:

  * That first book you think is awesome really is wonderful...the publishing gods just don't agree. That's okay. Keep on writing. Write another book. Then another. Then another. Don't give up. One day you're going to write The One that will go all the way to bookstore shelves, but it doesn't mean those first books will be for naught. You'll learn so much from each one...things you otherwise couldn't have. Keep going. 
  * Querying sucks. Getting rejections suck. But every writer has to do it. You are no exception. And I know you can get through it. Keep on querying, join online pitch contests, and have faith in your writing and story. One day you'll get to handpick from more than one offer of representation. Oh happy day.
  * Publishing is slooow. They should almost call it Professional Waiting. Waiting on critique partners, agents, editors, review boards, readers, you name it. Even friends and family will be asking you every week when your book is coming out even though it's over a year away. You will experience the most patience you've ever had to endure. Hang in there.
  * The writing community is amazing. Authors are so giving and supportive of each other, it will blow you away. Seek out other writers online. Read their blogs, respond to their posts. Exchange manuscripts. Lend a hand when needed. Some of your best friends will be writers online that you'll never meet in real life.
  * You will feel jealous at times. Friends will get agents before you, book deals before you, better book deals than you, super-gorgeous covers, high rankings. This industry is a very public one, where stats on almost every aspect are available by the click of a keyboard. It's okay. This isn't a race. Stop comparing. Just keep moving and do your best.
  * Attend writing conferences. Take what you learn and apply it to your writing. Be humble and benefit from those with more experience. Your writing is going to improve quickly by remembering you have a lot to learn and making a sincere effort to learn it. The friendships you make with those at conferences will change your life forever, even beyond your writing life.
  * People will hate your book. They will tell you you're evil for writing it. They will tear apart your writing, your characters, your world. Brush it off, tell yourself it just wasn't for them, and move on. Because you'll get a lot more love than hate, and the readers who get it, who love your stories—they rock.
  * Don't forget there is more to life than writing. Sometimes the road to publication can be all-consuming. I know it's hard to break away. But try to. Spend time with your family. Take a vacation. Get some sleep. The writing will be there when you return.

Most importantly, remember why you write. It's not to impress anyone. It's not for the money. It's not for fame or respect or any other worldly reason. It's because you love it. Because it makes you happy. You'll forget that sometimes, but you'll always come back to it, and that's what matters.

Good luck!

_~ Ilima Todd, YA author_

www.ilimatodd.com

#  Jade Eby

Dear Past Me,

Right now, you probably have your laptop on one leg, a book open on the other. Your hair is a mess, your glasses are slipping down your nose and there's a steaming mug of coffee on the table next to you. You don't realize it right now - but the more things change, the more things stay the same. Ten years later, you'll still be doing all of those things, only with a little more money and a few books under your belt.

There are so many things I wish you knew when you first started writing. This journey isn't an easy one. It's incredibly difficult, lonely and heartbreaking. You will cry more over writing-related issues than you'll ever do for a boy. That's because you were born with writing in your veins. You never stood a chance. You always felt the pull, even as a child, you just didn't have the tools to create what you wanted. That's why you immersed yourself in everything book-related. That decision is the best one you could have made. It's transformed who you are and the way you see the world (through literary lenses). But this letter isn't about reading - that has always come natural to you.

This is about words. Stringing them together to create stories and worlds that live inside your head. This is about the voices that talk to you at night, (believe it or not, you're not crazy) this is about bringing to life the magic words give you. So, here are few things I wish I would have known earlier.

1. Writing is hard. REALLY FREAKING HARD. Don't for one minute think that just because something came easily to you for a minute - you've finally figured it out. You haven't. You'll always think "maybe this will be easier this time..." Forget it. It won't be. Just get it into your head that writing will forever be one of the hardest things you'll ever do. But it's worth every painful minute. It's worth the tears, the blood, (oh yes, there will be blood) and the sweat. Nothing ever truly meaningful in life is acquired easily. That's why it feels so damn good when you get it right.

2. For every negative jerk-face out there trying to pull you down - there's two positive supporters coming to your aid. The world is getting harsher, harder and more negative every day that passes. In every area of life. It's just the way things are. But it's so important not to forget that good people and humanity still exist. There will always be people willing to help you when you need it. Even when you don't need it, they'll be there in the shadow offering anything they can. Take them up on these offers. Allow them into your life and hold onto them with an ironclad grasp. They'll become your life boat when things get hard.

3. The publishing world today is conglomeration of options. Some people are staunchly for this, staunchly against it and some reside in the middle. There will be people who will berate you, look down on you, even loathe you for making the decision you make. But there will also be people who look up to you, admire you for your decision and follow in your footsteps because you made them believe. The most important thing you can do for yourself when it comes to deciding how you want to pursue publication is to look deep inside yourself and decide what's important to YOU. Not what's important to your family, friends, society or other writers. Don't listen to the whispers of people who are making it on either side. Don't listen to the nay-sayers on either side. Listen to your heart. It will never lead you astray.

4. Success. It's amazing, wonderful, terrible and gut-wrenching. There's absolutely no way for you to prepare for failure or success. There is only dealing with it as it comes. And sometimes, it will knock you on your ass. You won't know right from left and you'll wonder what the hell you're doing here in the first place. It's important to remember WHERE and WHY you started. You didn't start writing because you knew you'd sell a million copies. You didn't start writing because you thought you'd be relegated to the lowest of the writing ranks where no one knows your name or what you write. You started writing because you LOVE it. Because it's as essential to you as breathing is. Because even if no one read a word of it - you'd still do it to keep yourself sane. You MUST figure out what success means to YOU and only YOU because if you don't, it will drive you freaking crazy. You'll be comparing yourself to everyone and everything ALL THE TIME. It's exhausting and a drain on your energy and creative talents. You know the old saying, "there's always someone better and worse than you?" It's the truth. In everything you do. But THEY ARE NOT YOU and YOU ARE NOT THEM. You'll never be J.K. Rowling or Stephen King. But neither will any other writer. This is probably one of the hardest lessons to learn because society places such an emphasis on winning, succeeding, being the best. And it's just not a viable option all the time. Stay true to yourself and always be humble.

5. The easiest and hardest lesson in world of writing is simple: Believe in yourself. I won't lie - I hardly follow this piece of advice because it's harder than actually writing. Believing in the story you want to tell, the way you want to deliver it, the words you put on paper (or the screen) and the ability to execute it is the single hardest thing you'll ever do. It's in your nature to feel like you can't do it. It's too hard. You're not good enough. You just don't have what it takes. These will be commonplace for you but it's equally important to drag yourself up from the ashes and rise to the task. It won't happen all the time, and you'll fall many, many times. But you will always get up. You know why? Because this is what you were meant to do with your life. You've known it since you were a little girl. And when you're meant to do something with your life - belief is only half the equation.

There's so much more that goes into being a writer than I can explain in a single blog post, but these are the most important. These are the things you need to remember for the rest of your life because they'll keep you sane. They'll keep you from quitting the most important thing in your life. Trust the words because someday... you'll be the one writing them.

**Love, Future Me.**

_~ Jade Eby_

www.jadeeby.com

#  J.L. Campbell

Joy,

Finding the Write Path

Sometimes it's hard to figure out why we stop doing the things we enjoy. Giving up writing for twenty years took away something you prized dearly. When you started again, the first thing you did was to join a writing network, plus read articles and books. Having better writers critique your work was sometimes painful, but always educational.

A period of apprenticeship is necessary for all writers, but it's hard to remember that when you've fallen in love with your story and want to see it published today. But that's the time when your style develops and it's wise to work patiently through that season. Although it will take five years before you are satisfied with your first book, the work will be well worth it because not only will a publisher say yes, you'll get three book deals within a couple of months. This, after being told that Jamaica is a 'hard sell'. A word of caution—not all publishers are equal and it is good to remember that.

Flexibility is another thing worth remembering and cultivating. It is flexibility that will allow you to explore the world of self-publishing. That path will lead to an exciting, enlightening and uplifting journey. The learning curve will be steep, but well worth it.

The craft of writing will allow you to stretch in several directions. You will be blessed to write fiction and non-fiction, learn how to format eBooks, edit books and magazines, make covers, win awards, talk to students, facilitate writing workshops, and eventually realize your dream of hosting an online workshop.

Writing is a continuous journey that will open your world to a universe where other kind and generous scribes are on a similar journey. Patience is a virtue you will learn. As you like to say, 'unswerving perseverance is the key to success'. If you exercise patience and perseverance, all things will work together in wonderful ways.

Keep working, keep making strides. Success has no limit.

Yours,

Joy

_~ J.L. Campbell, award-winning Jamaican writer_

www.joylcampbell.com

#  Katie Doyle

Dear Katie,

Congratulations. You have decided that you want to write toward publication. It's a huge step you've contemplated for years before finally taking the plunge. The idea you have for your first book is brilliant, but before you get ahead of yourself I want to tell you a few things:

Brilliant and publishable are two completely different things. You're not ready. Not yet. And that's okay. This book is the first full length book you're going to write. You'll be excited and tell everyone about it, and that's okay. Just don't get ahead of yourself. The book will not be published. Learn now to let things go, because the book you're working on will have to be let go. And that's okay. You will learn so much from writing it. You will better your writing and yourself through the lessons you learn about how to show-not-tell and learning how to observe others (for research, of course;-)). In other words, things won't go as planned, and that's okay.

Be prepared to meet a lot of new people. Once you start up on social media, you'll come across so many other writers, your head will spin. But the great thing about all those writers? Most of them are amazing people doing everything they can to give back to a community that gave to them. And that's what the writing community is about. Yes, you will meet people who will do nothing but tear you down, but you'll meet hundreds more people who will help build you up. The writing community is amazing and you will make some amazing friends.

You will celebrate with others as they publish either traditionally or indie. There is nothing like seeing the joy of others reflected back because you support them. You have watched through the ups and downs and cannot help but root for them. Through this you will learn humility, patience, and joy.

Publishing is subjective. Just because an agent doesn't want what you have to offer doesn't mean others won't. Keep going, no matter what. You will get rejections. You will find people who don't like what you've written. In the end, you must decide for yourself whether your story is worth it or not, and you will find others who love what you have written. Traditional publishing is not the only way, and though that's what you're after now, don't discount the possibility of self-publishing.

Don't limit yourself to one genre. You have so many ideas and you love experiencing different stories, let those ideas flow and those stories out. Don't write to the market, and don't chastise yourself for having the same idea as someone else. Just because it's the same idea will not make it the same book. Write what you love, no matter what.

Now, go forward and do your thing. I can assure you, you've got this!

Katie Doyle

_~ Katie Doyle_

www.writingreadingandlife.com

#  Kyra Lennon

Slow Down

If there was one thing I wish someone had told me before I hit "Publish" on my first novel, it's that there is no rush. It's easy to let excitement take over once you've decided to self-publish, and your book is complete, and it's edited and you've found your book cover. I'd built up such a buzz around my first book, I couldn't wait to get it out into the world.

The truth of the matter is, the book wasn't ready. Yes, I had it checked for errors, and I'd read it myself a million times to be sure I was happy, but there is one major thing I didn't do. I didn't take a time out. I was too close to it to see the flaws. The best thing for any writer on completion of a book is to take a step back. Wait a few weeks before the final re-read. Make changes. Wait a bit longer.

If I had done these things, I wouldn't have had to re-release a second edition of my book with the issues ironed out. And did I mention, that book has had FOUR cover changes. If I had just stopped and taken a little extra time, I would have saved myself a lot of extra work. I learned my lesson the hard way - and now I always take my time.

So, when your book is finished, stop. Step away. Come back to it with a clear head, and you will be SO much happier with the final result, no matter how long it takes.

_~ Kyra Lennon, author of the Game On series_

www.kyralennon.com

#  Lark O'Neal

Dear New, Young, Passionate, Painfully Aspiring Writer Self:

I am looking at you with great tenderness. Your passion for your craft, your hunger for publication, your commitment to continue to try makes my heart swell with pride. It is not easy, what you're doing, writing, or rather, writing with the full intent to publish. It's easy to write if you are doing it only for yourself. It's only a joy, then, a secret pleasure, a tattoo on your inner thigh that you share only with your most intimate associates.

Writing for publication is a much more dangerous and challenging undertaking. It means risking your ego and your standing in the community. People don't understand your desire, even those you expect to understand, like reader friends and your librarian. Oh, I know how you've learned to dread that question at gatherings. You say you are a writer and someone says with excitement, "Are you published?" You have to say no, and watch their eyes dim and their attention stray.

But you will not always have to say no. If you stay the course, you will be published. For now, you go ahead and claim the title of writer, because you _are_ a writer. You write. You put in the hours of study and practice, over and over, whenever you can fit it in. You do it even though no one does particularly understand or even believe that you can ever break into the hallowed company of Authors. I am so proud of you. Keep it up.

A few other things that will help you stay the course: pay more attention to what you are doing right than what you are doing wrong. Time, reading, and practice will heal most of your flaws, but no one can do what you do as well as you do it, so stick with that. Polish it, explore it, love it. That's where your voice is, in the things you love and do well.

Keep reading a ton. People tell you that writing will corrupt your process, but that's how you came to writing in the first place, isn't it? You read, more than anyone you know, always. Keep doing that, and don't just read in the areas where you write. Read everything—articles and essays and poems and books of fiction and non-fiction. Read crap and read classics. Read genre and read literary fiction. Just read. It teaches and guides new writers better than any other single thing.

Keep your eye on the prize. You're going to keep trying on hats until you find the one that fits, and once you do, your life is going to change in such big ways that you will never believe it could be your life. You will eat a meal in New York City with an editor. You will see your book on the shelves of your local bookstore. You will get letters from readers who love your work more than any other writer out there. Honor her, that reader, with your will to stick with it.

One more thing: don't be afraid of editors and agents. They are busy, but they are always looking for the writer they connect with, the one they can publish, the one they adore. Some of them, over time, will become your friends for life. Some of them will only make you crazy, but this is the great secret: editors and agents are your equal. You are all a corner in the great triangle of publishing. Don't be intimidated.

Finally, you are more powerful than you know. Have faith in yourself, and the work, and trust it to take you where you want to do.

Love,

Your older, wiser, more experienced self

_~ Lark O'Neal_

www.facebook.com/LarkONealAuthor

#  Liz Blocker

Dear Hopeful Writer,

There are so many things I want to tell you.

They range from the practical - don't get too attached to that expensive new handbag, it's just going to fall apart in the middle of a Boston subway station during rush hour, six months after you bought it (and yes, you'll survive the humiliation and the hordes of irritated onlookers, but you'll never find the sunglasses that fell out) - to the vital - when you're wondering if it's worth going out of your way to do something that will make your partner's life fuller or happier or easier: yes, the answer is always, always yes.

But I'm supposed to concentrate on writing, and I know that's the thing you dearly want to hear about, so I'll do my best to stay on topic.

You're a study in contradictions, now, so full of hope and fear. That's perfect, believe it or not, because you're going to need the good and the hard to survive. Here's what I've learned, six years down the line (in outline form, _of course_ ):

You are simultaneously better than you fear you are, and not nearly as good as you hope to be. So believe in yourself, and while you're at it, go to those writing classes you've been wondering about. Go to more than you can afford, and more than you think you need. Even if the class isn't good (which is rare), you'll always take away at least one lesson, one gem of wisdom or craft that will inspire and aid you, and often you'll take away many more.

Hold on to that belief in yourself, that precious conviction that you'll succeed. You're going to need it when you:

Learn as much about the industry as possible. The information will be depressing at best and terrifying at worst, but don't shy away from it; you need to know it. Yes, all of it: the gloom and doom, the predictions about the end of art and culture, the harsh truths of how much (or little) authors make.

Now that you've faced reality, remember that belief in yourself. Pick it up off of the ground where it fell in despair, dust it off, and hold it close. You'll find that it's stronger now, and one day, it will be able to pick you up when you fall, and carry you.

And you'll need that, because the rejections will roll in, great bruising waves of them, and you're going to have to figure out how to get back up when they bowl you over, and keep writing, anyway.

_Keep writing_. Even when it's impossible, even when it's killing you, it will always be your greatest joy and best hope.

Be patient. No, I really mean this. Be patient. You've learned from your research that the publishing industry moves at a snail's pace – and that's on good days - so there's nothing to be gained, and much to be lost, from rushing.

No, your manuscript isn't finished yet, no matter how anxious you are to start querying. See #7 above.

Listen to your gut. Your CPs and beta readers will be invaluable, and will help you more than you can imagine, but when they're done and you're sitting with a "finished" draft, only _you_ will know if it's truly finished.

No, your manuscript isn't finished yet, no matter how encouraging your readers are. See #s 7 and 8 above.

Be kind to yourself. You're going to make many mistakes as you learn, and being angry with yourself for making them is going to accomplish exactly nothing. So stop it. Cultivate compassion for yourself instead.

Take all of that extra energy you have now that you're not wasting it on criticizing yourself, and use it to be vigilant and unrelenting about protecting your writing time. No one - not even the people you love the most, and often _especially_ not them - is going to do it for you.

Yes, your manuscript wasn't finished when you started sending it out. That's OK. See #11 above, then learn from it and move on.

Other writers are not competition; they're community. They're honest and generous and talented, and building relationships with them will only help you. You'll have people to talk to who understand you, and even without the other benefits - skilled critiques, enthusiastic support, hard-won wisdom and advice - that alone is worth its weight in gold.

I'm running over my word limit (yes, you'll continue to overwrite; just resign yourself to a lifetime of editing), so I'll leave you with my unending support, and a true belief that you'll succeed. I believe in you, and that's saying something.

_~ Liz Blocker_

lizblocker.blogspot.com

#  Loni Townsend

Dear Loni,

Hi, it's me, your future self. No, this isn't some scam trying to get your money. Go on, I'll wait while you check the headers and track the IP.

You done? Okay, fine, so you're still skeptical. I'll prove it.

You know that masterpiece you've had stewing in your mind since you were 15? Yeah, _Thanmir War_. Guess what! It's going to completely change. First-draft beta readers will hate your main characters, not to mention all your info-dumping confuses them. You'll spend hours reworking both.

Before you start tossing out all your work, let me tell you two valuable words that will save your caboose—ones I had to discover on my own.

**Critique Partners.**

Remember those words. Find them online. Actively seek them out in your community. These people will change your life.

No, that's not me being melodramatic (kinda sounds that way, though, doesn't it?). I know what your life is like right now. Limited connections with absolutely no idea where to start. It's just you and that story you've been terrified to show to anyone, afraid they'll judge you.

Get over it. They'll judge your writing before they judge _you_.

Critique partners will help hone your skill, point out flaws you never noticed, and suggest rewording that gives a whole new perspective on word delivery. Not only will these people turn you into a better writer, they'll become your friends.

Okay, maybe I _am_ being mushy now.

Well, my dear past self, another thing critique partners teach you is brevity. Yes, you, Miss Long-Winded, can learn to write something quick and snappy.

With that, I leave you to your writing.

Sincerely,

_~ Loni Townsend, author of the Niniers series_

www.lonitownsend.com

#  Luccia Gray

Dear Luccia,

Don't even try to do this alone.

I know you've been a writer all your life. Writing was fun and easy because you could please yourself! Intimate poems by the beach; an unshared short story on a train; a play never to be performed; unfinished novels surreptitiously scribbled during sleepless nights... Anyone can do that, and most people do, at some point in their lives.

Now you want to be a professional writer. You want to write novels which will be published. Not everyone is prepared to write for an unrestricted and unknown audience. It's going to be a fascinating journey, but it's a journey you can't travel alone.

You are one of the thousands of authors who have taken the plunge into self-publishing or publishing independently, and you're going to be the CEO of the whole process!

As well as support from friends and family, you will need beta readers, proof readers, a cover designer, formatting help, friends and support on social networks and publishing platforms, advice, encouragement, practical information, inspiration, and reviewers, among other invaluable people. You will have to pay for some of these services, but most of them will be supplied altruistically by the wonderful people you will be meeting along your journey into publishing.

Inspiration and altruism are very closely related and their interaction is mutually beneficial. Altruism means setting aside selfish desires and catering for others' needs not expecting anything in return, although, believe me, you will receive much more than you give because it will trigger off a positive chain of events for everyone involved. Your altruistic friends will inspire you, encourage you, and guide you along your path.

Inspiration and altruism will make you a better writer and most importantly a better person, because you will be inspired by the generosity of people who offer you their time and help. As well as your friends and family, you will meet, and often befriend, complete strangers who are willing to give you advice, help, and most importantly their time and their honest opinions.

When you started out, you thought the most challenging aspect of being a writer was actually writing a novel. Well, you soon found out it wasn't. Writing a good novel is the most important thing a writer does, but it's not the only thing, in fact, it's the least time-consuming task self-published authors have to do. You will soon learn two important lessons; publishing is far more than writing a novel, and secondly, it is something that cannot be done alone.

You will need to be active on Goodreads where you will find invaluable advice and support in groups such as Indie Author Central, The Source, Beta Reader Group, and Making Connections.

You will also need 'visibility'. You need to 'exist' as an author. In order to do so, you must have a presence in the virtual world, by means of social networks. Last but not least, you need to network with other authors for support, encouragement, motivation, and a sense of belonging to a group and a profession.

You will meet many wonderful and generous readers and authors in the coming years. People who are prepared to read other writer's works in progress, advise them, encourage them, and help them along the long and lonely road all self-published authors must travel.

Nevertheless, this generosity needs to be more than reciprocal, you need to pay it forward and assist others. You will learn that authors need to support each other with positive criticism, advice and encouragement across genres, genders and nationalities. The best way to do this is through online platforms such as blogs and other social networks. Take an interest in what other writers are doing and saying, be active and supportive, always. By practicing creative altruism, you're supporting other authors, and you're also supporting yourself and your profession.

If I haven't convinced you yet, perhaps you'll listen to Martin Luther King, Jr's advice on the subject:

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."

Be generous, be supportive, and offer positive advice. It will bounce back! But remember to keep the ball rolling and pay it forward...

_~ Luccia Gray, author of ALL HALLOWS AT EYRE HALL, Volume I of the Eyre Hall trilogy_

www.lucciagray.com

#  L.W. Flouisa

My Write Path

One aspect of writing toward publication is that the method to write a novel length work is largely through finding one's own process. Everyone's process is different. Some might prefer to write it as one long story; others might prefer to write it as a collection of short stories.

One thing I would like to change about my own writers journey, is figuring out my process of writing longer fiction a lot sooner. There was a time when I was writing stories as long as 5,000 words when I wrote detective fiction (that was when I had just exited 2D RPG game design), then my stories lowered down to around 3,000 words. Gradually they got to the 2,000 words I usually top out for one story today.

I'm glad I found NALitChat, because its helped me explore what exactly New Adult fiction is. And while I don't write genre fiction anymore (preferring the more literary style fantasy and science fiction), it has been an extremely invaluable asset. Some aspects about writer's platform, I never would have thought of (at the time seeking representation).

I look forward to when more openings for poetry open up in publication, though I'm not exactly optimistic about that. It's simply harder to be published as a poet as opposed to being published even as a short fiction writer. What I recommend is to study poetry as a craft. In fact, my poems later inspired my short fiction.

And then hang in there.

_~ L.W. Flouisa, writer of New Adult, Older YA, and MG short stories_

@Aluenvey

#  Lynda R. Young

Dear Younger Self,

You know how you hope you'll make a huge success of yourself, buy a mansion with an ocean view from your earnings as a bestselling author, and won't be able to walk down the street without being accosted by fans begging for your autograph? Good news: You can still walk down the street without getting mobbed by fans. Go you! Bad news: You didn't become an author until much, _much_ later in life. Why? Because you quit. Dumbest thing you ever did.

Writing in dribbles—a couple of paragraphs a month or a handful of pages here and there—will mean it'll take you nine years to finish your first novel. Seriously, girl? You want to take nine years to write a book? Waiting for inspiration is one of your first mistakes, though not your biggest.

Your biggest mistake, apart from quitting, was having a totally skewed idea of what it takes to get published. You didn't do the research, you didn't put in the hours, and you gave up before you hit any kind of momentum. Surprise, surprise, there's a business side to writing if you want to get published. It's not easy for a dreamer like you, but neither is it impossible. Remember that.

**Here's what you're getting right:**

You are reading a lot. That's the best thing you can do so keep reading. Don't turn your nose at different genres. Read anything you can get your hands on. Even non-fiction. You'll notice a difference in your writing when you expand your exposure to a variety of styles and story types.

You are currently fearless when it comes to writing. Hold onto that fearlessness. You'll need it when you start reading How-To books on the craft or sharing your work with others outside your family. That's when you'll start to think you are doing it all wrong and the first doubts will come nipping at your ankles. Continue to write what you love, not what you think other people will love.

**Here's what you could improve on:**

Write every day. Don't be afraid to draw up a writing schedule. It might seem regimental to your creative self, but you'll revel in it. Same goes with outlining. Get over the fantasy that outlining is somehow less organic and creative, and give it a go already. You'll thank me later. Write more short stories to hone your skills. Attend more workshops. Find a critique group and enjoy the support and encouragement of other writers. Only other writers can truly understand what it's like to be a writer.

One last piece of advice: Write down your ideas. No matter how certain you'll remember those ideas, trust me when I say, you won't.

And, whatever you do, don't quit, you big goose!

_~ Lynda R Young, author of speculative short stories and YA novels_

lyndaryoung.blogspot.com

#  Lynn Lovegreen

Dear Newbie Writer Lynn,

Good for you for deciding to get serious about your writing! It will bring you many years of satisfaction and enjoyment. Here's some advice to help you on your way to publication:

1. Don't worry about whether you're a "real writer"or not. You became one the day you committed to writing a novel. Try not to blush every time you talk about your writing or feel bashful about telling people what you do. And when you do, have faith that you'll stop blushing one day.

2. Take advantage of writing groups and other opportunities to learn more about the craft and business of writing. Not only will you learn things that will help you in the future, you'll make friendships you will cherish for many years.

3. Take your writing seriously, and make sure people around you do, too. Schedule time for writing just like you schedule time for appointments and other commitments. Tell others about your writing schedule so they can respect it. Your husband will learn not to interrupt you when the study door is shut; just remind him of the routine and give him a little time to get used to it. ;-)

4. It's a great idea to subscribe to Querytracker and learn about the business side of things. But don't be too eager to send off those queries right away. It will take years to get your writing ready for primetime. Focus on your craft first.

5. Enjoy the journey! Celebrate the milestones as you go down the path, from your first "The End," to the first query (and first of many rejections), all the way to the first book in your hand, and more. Each step will bring you closer to your goals. It will take a few bucks to spring for the extra chocolate and restaurant bills, but it'll be worth it. Do something special for yourself on each big day. You earned it!

_~ Lynn Lovegreen_

www.lynnlovegreen.com

#  Mark Koopmans

_Author's Note: My letter is meant for the me that sat on the patio of his 27th floor Chicago apartment... on the evening of Y2K_

\- A lesson you learned the hard way:

Dude, don't be a chicken. Writing is your passion – you're just afraid to admit it. Get over yourself.

Grow a pair. You will?

Good.

Now, sit down, be quiet – and write the damn story.

\- Something you didn't expect about the industry.

Writers care about each other's success. You've always wanted to be a part of a group. Well, here you go. Take the plunge. You'll absolutely tread water for a while, but they won't let you down - or drown. Trust a little – and learn a lot.

\- A writing-related resource you could never do without now

Twitter.

_(No, you don't have to learn the Chicken Dance.)_

It's something on the Internet _(yes, I know it sucks paying AOL a monthly fee, but that will change, too.)_

Anyway, Twitter is a way to quickly share information in 140 characters or less.

_(No... it's not at all like hanging with the little animatronic people at Disney's "It's A Small World.)_

\- One thing you'd change about your journey

You need to get out of restaurant management ten years earlier, work as a server in a swanky place and then spend the extra hours writing at the library or at Starbucks _(yes, the coffee place.)_

\- One thing you're glad you did.

In five years, you'll apply and get that Staff Writer position with that Florida newspaper (even though you had neither the required two-year experience nor the degree in journalism.)

Nice one, and that's what I'm talkin' about, dude.

\- Your number one tip for pursuing publication.

You haven't got the looks or the education, but you are such a pain in the arse when you get your teeth in something that's important, so don't be a big gurl's blouse.

Don't quit on your dream.

Ever.

\- Anything else you feel is worth passing on

Dude, raid the accounts and buy about $10,000 in Apple stock – more if you can afford it.

_(No, it's not a fruit producer or a new martini drink.)_

Oh, and patent the word "Google."

_(No, not gaggle,_ Google _... seriously, why do I bother. Yes, I know I'm stuck with you. Now, go. Write.)_

And, if _you're_ stuck, go to Harvard. _(Yes, the Uni. Yeah, the one in Bahston...)_

Try getting some face time with some dude called Zuckerberg.

_(He's a student, and he has a neat idea that people will give thumbs up to... some may even like it...)_

_~ Koopmans... Mark Koopmans..._

@markjkoopmans

#  Mark Murata

Dear self:

Right now, you're writing as a way to relieve the frustrations and disappointments in life. Keep at it. One day you'll finish the novel you're writing. After that, you'll realize you need to get past that and go on to write other short stories and novels. It's not that what you're writing right now is so horrible. It's that you'll grow so much in this skill, you won't have trouble leaving it behind to go on to greater things.

Keep on reading and watching what you love: science fiction and fantasy. You'll read _The Lord of the Rings_ again someday, believe it or not. Make sure to watch the reruns of _Star Trek: The Next Generation_. (I know, it's still playing, but keep an eye out for reruns.) When the SciFi channel shows their version of the really weird movie _Dune_ , watch it and note the phrase, "The sleeper must awaken." That is what will happen to your life.

You will become the person you never imagined you would be: the one who goes to conventions and conferences and pitches your manuscript to professionals. Watch out for females who seem to have a sexual attraction to you. This is not ego; this is a lifestyle among people who travel frequently, and it is a snare to avoid.

Do not be offended at the lack of capitalization after colons or the single spaces after periods in this letter. Fads come and go, even in capitalization and punctuation. This, perhaps more than anything else, is evidence that this letter is from the future. No investment or job advice is included, since that would alter the timeline.

Mark

_~ Mark Murata_

suburbanfantasy.blogspot.com

#  Medeia Sharif

Year 1995 me:

You're eighteen and with a finished manuscript. Congratulations. That's a big achievement. Only months ago, when you graduated high school and received a word processor as a gift, you started working on novels right away. After one unfinished manuscript, you stuck to the second one until you typed "the end" on it. You're already sending it to agents. I would hit pause on your querying. You're going to waste a lot of time sending out a manuscript that isn't ready.

Do you know what a critique group is? How about beta readers? No? I suggest you look around for them. I don't care if you have to drive a bit to meet one, start your own group with college classmates, or what have you. They are necessary. You need more eyes reading your manuscript. When others point to your faults, you'll develop a thick skin and return to the manuscript with ideas on how to make it stronger. All those hours of reading and following critique notes will greatly benefit your writing. Right now you're looking at rejection letters in disbelief, as if the agents don't know what they're doing. No, they do. Your manuscript needs to go back to the oven for more cooking.

You didn't sit on your manuscript a little bit? You sent it out like that after practicing your own idea of what revising and editing is. Big mistake. Let a project sit for a few weeks or months before you return to it. You'll get new ideas and perspectives for revision. Working on something for months straight makes you too familiar with it. Distance gives you time to reevaluate. You worked on your manuscript from fall to spring with no break. Go ahead and work on something else, join the writing community, and read books on writing. You like to read, but step away from fiction and read some books on the craft.

Uh-oh, I see your list of agents that you want to query. Do they even accept your genre? Will they take on a novel about a teenage serial killer with a relentless stalker and family secrets? And look at that folder of rejection letters that you've been collecting! My goodness it's packed. You're going to need another folder soon. You should stop and take my advice about a critique group. If you polish your manuscript—really polish it—you'll start getting positive rejections and some nibbles...and eventually a yes.

.

There's also the postage and snail mail aspect to consider. There's this thing called email that only some people are using in your time, but these days it makes things so much easier and cheaper. I see how you spend afternoons and weekends at the office supply store making copies and at the post office shipping partials and fulls in the hopes that your manuscript will catch on somewhere. You're also sending your poetry to contests that require a fee. Those dollars are adding up. They can be spent on a critique from a professional in the business. Hey, you haven't even stepped into the world of conferences yet. That's where your money can be going, rather than being swallowed up in rejection land.

You have a long way to go. I hope I gave you some publishing insight. Until we meet again in two decades...

Sincerely,

2014 Me

_~ Medeia Sharif, YA and MG author_

www.medeiasharif.com

#  Melissa Maygrove

Dear Melissa [redacted],

One day, you're going to wake up and decide you want to write a book, just 'to see if you can do it.' (You've always loved a challenge.) You'll write one, all right, but it'll be crap. Well...not total crap, after a few revisions, but close enough. Luckily, a published author friend of the family will kindly-but-boldly tell you the truth and point you in the right direction.

On your three-year quest for improvement, grumbling about the snobbish rules of fiction all the way, you'll meet aspiring author Carrie Butler. She'll suffer through your first WIP and _still_ be loyal enough to stick around. Good thing, because the two of you will become friends and the knowledge and skills you gain from merely being in her presence will fast-track you to publication, without making a total fool of yourself.

You'll learn to accept criticism well and learn to give it well, too—not an easy task on either end. And you'll steadily improve your craft. After hearing countless tales of query woes and small pub nightmares, you'll shun tradition and go your own way.

Was there ever any doubt? You're too much of a realist and a control freak to choose anything else.

You'll also get drop-kicked into the social media scene by your tormentor, instead of waiting too long like you would have done if left to your own devices. You'll be forced to choose an author name fast, and you'll impulsively decide to go with a pen name. That turns out to be a clever marketing move, though, because the extinct surname you swap for your own has no competition. You'll rise to the top of Google (and Amazon) searches from day one.

After working more hours than at your regular job, sacrificing family time, and polishing your story for over two years, you'll send your first book baby out into the world and enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame. Twenty-four hours, more like. Then, as you sit in the post-pub rubble of fallen confetti, dwindling comments, and back-to-zero sales, you'll realize a writing career is a marathon, not a sprint. Your race has only begun.

_~ Melissa Maygrove, author of COME BACK_

www.melissamaygrove.com

#  Meradeth Houston

Dear 2003 me,

First off, for the love of all things, please learn how to correctly use a comma. It would be SO super useful now and spare your poor copy editor a huge headache :)

Okay, _writing_ , you know, that hobby thing that you've always wanted to do more with, and after taking a few great courses in college, actually want to try and find a way to be published. It's time to get to work. I know you spend much of your spare time behind your keyboard, but if you want to get something out into the world, it's time to start spending some serious time with the craft. Learn how to create a character arc, how to build the world on paper that's been living in your head, and how to ask for help. Finding a great community of other writers will be the best thing you ever do: get on that!

Me and my college roommate (she's the one in red) in 2013!

Also, it's time to get over yourself. As in, stop being so shy about your writing. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You know, your friends will probably be interested in what you write about, if you'd ever tell them. Your family will eventually come to grips that you'd much rather write YA fantasy than the next great American novel, and the sooner that happens, the better. So find a way to get out of your shell a little. The real world doesn't bite—too hard at least.

The writing world is going to take you for a serious ride. There will be a whole lot of ups, downs, and

blind corners. And there will be times you want to quit. (Hello, stay AWAY from that delete all button—you know what I'm talking about!) But sticking with it will have its rewards. Especially in the awesome people you'll meet along the way. And while I can't say yet whether it's totally worth it, it has been a blast. So dig in, have some fun, and for the love of Pete, learn how to use that comma!

-2014 me

_~ Meradeth Houston_

www.meradethhouston.com

#  Michael Di Gesu

May 19, 2014

Dear Michael,

This is your future self writing to you on behalf of the incredible journey you are about to embark upon into the publishing industry.

First and foremost never give up your dream. At times, frustration will haunt you. Countless hours on the computer will seem never-ending. Keep an open mind and always listen to more experienced writers.

I have a few suggestions to make things MUCH easier for you, tips I have learned through trial and mostly error.

Economize your words. Simply write clear, concise, and to the point sentences. Avoid adverbs at all costs by choosing a stronger verb. Use search to find all LY words and common words, such as LOOK, TOWARD, JUST, REALLY, LIKE, etc. This way you can cut them down without to much difficulty. ALWAYS use your Thesaurus... it will be INVALUABLE to you. Keep it in your bookmarks for easy access.

LEARN your grammar and punctuation. It is ESSENTIAL. Take the time to do so.

LISTEN to your TRUSTED Critique Partners and Betas. You are a beginner, you know very little, and you mustn't be sensitive to their suggestions. It will hurt, but listen to them anyway and make the necessary changes.

BLOGGING WILL be an essential part of your life. Embrace it. Forge as many friendships as you can because they WILL become your extended family and will ALWAYS be there for you.

This industry is BRUTAL. Don't expect to be a best selling author right away. You have SOOOO much to learn before you will be anywhere near ready for publication. You are NOT JK Rowling. Even though you believe you are.

When writing your first m/g, y/a novel don't allow it to exceed 60,000 words. You will write and write and write and create a novel that is WAY too long and you'll spend way too many years cutting it down. Once again... ECONOMIZE your words.

Don't expect to find an agent any time soon. You are not ready. LEARN your craft before wasting precious hours writing queries and sending them to top agents which will reject you, BECAUSE you are NOT READY. POLISH your ms until it's blinding, then query. This can take years. BE PATIENT.

Your journey will be a very difficult one, but you will forge friendships with amazing people who will be supportive of you and will help you hone your writing skills. This will also give you the ability to pay it back. You will be there for others and the skills you learn will help you achieve this. You will fall many, many times before this, but you will learn. Trust me.

The best thing I did for you was to join the blogging community. I can't stress this enough...every new writer needs to involve themselves quickly to be a part of something that is beyond rewarding, beyond special.

And always remember, no matter what, never give up the dream you have. You will realize this is your calling. You WILL get frustrated by rejection, but remember you have a gift, never forget this, because you will be tested again and again.

Don't let minor achievements seem worthless. Even the smallest works published are a major achievement and will be a closer step to something much greater. Persevere. This is the best advice I can give you.

You'll get where you need to be...In Time...

ALL the best.

Your future self,

_~ Michael Di Gesu of In Time... freelance copy/creative writer/illustrator/cover designer_

writing-art-and-design.blogspot.com

#  Misa Buckley

Dear Misa,

Yes, I know that's not your name... not yet. It will be, though. That name you've chosen to put on Ironhaven means an awful lot, doesn't it? It's a name you own more than the one you were born with.

You've just sent out your first manuscript. Spoiler – they're going to send it back. But you'll be fine. After all, stubborn could be your middle name. Hang on to that – because stubborn is what will see you through.

Stubborn is going to stand in for confidence. You were never all that, I know, and you're going to take blows over the next few months that will shake you. Publishing is a scary world, and it doesn't always go the way you expect it to.

It'll get harder before it gets easier. You'll have to make some tough choices. Be brave. Be stubborn, have patience, and trust your instincts.

And lastly, know that your biggest dream will come true, and it'll be epic. Enjoy the lemonade.

_~ Misa Buckley_

www.misabuckley.com

#  Misha Gericke

Right. Now it's time for me to get into the letter... wish me luck!

Hey Kiddo,

I've been grappling with what to put in this letter and.. Honestly I still am.

See, this is a letter to tell you about stuff you could do better, should do better. Things you should jump for and things you should change.

And you'd think there'd be a lot. I mean, you're thirteen and I'm twenty five.

Except there's not.

The book you're writing right now... It's going to get lost when your parents rip out the mother board and insert your grandmother's so she can write. And that's okay. Because you're going to write it again, and lose the rewrite when you're twenty two. And that's also okay because you'll rewrite it again and realize you learned so much that you would have been embarrassed if that book had actually been published.

You're going to write seven false starts before writing the book you'll publish. And your publisher will turn out to be more than a little sociopathic. But that's good, because you'll learn that no amount of validation is worth the pain and fear that comes with the thought that you'll lose the rights to a book you worked on for seven years. To any book, for that matter. And you'll act accordingly.

You will learn that you never finish first drafts to books if you plan them. You'll also learn to cling to writing because that's what keeps you sane. You'll learn to be (even if I say so myself) amazing at writing and editing, and you're going to learn it all by going through all these bad things that happened.

You're going to be strong. And **we will succeed.**

And all of this will be thanks to the lessons you learned. So do stupid things. Dare. Find what doesn't work so you can work out what does. Keep striving. Keep going. And yes, do keep getting pissed off at negative people who act like they know about writing when all they've ever written was an e-mail.

Because you are better than what they say. And you knew the day you started writing the thing that I still know now:

You're awesome, and awesome people write awesome books.

Love,

Me.

_~ Misha Gericke_

sylmion.blogspot.com

#  M. Pepper Langlinais

Keep writing.

That's really all I can say. Even when you're stumped, even when it's not perfect—hell, even when it's shit and you _know_ it's shit—don't stop producing work. Because some of it _won't_ suck. Some of it will be worth salvaging. Some of it, many months or even years down the line, will be worth polishing and fashioning into a shiny new bit of story or screenplay.

And don't get hung up on perfection. I know you, remember? I know you grind to a halt when you don't think the words are right, if they're not perfect on the first try. You only like it when it comes easy, but more often than not it won't be easy and you'll want to give up. Don't. Write every day, even if it's junk. Even if it's only a paragraph. Write _something_.

Then submit. Even when the rejection has you moping for days on end, don't stop sending your work out. It only takes one yes, one editor or agent who sees the potential in your work. And even if only one person loves it—even if only _you_ love it—your words and your work are as worthy as anyone's.

But don't get cocky, kid. You have talent but talent needs honing and the best authors never stop learning. Be sure to go to conferences. Mingle. Network. Talk to other writers. Don't hide. You like to hole up, I know, but poke your head out every now and then and get some fresh air. New experiences make for new springboards from which to jump off and write. You never know who or what will inspire you, so get out there and cultivate those experiences.

And then write. And keep writing. It's like mining; you never know when you might strike gold or unearth a gem. But you know it won't happen if you don't dig or pan or whatever it is miners do. Chip away at those rocks. Sift through the dirt and the mud. Trust it will be worth it in the end.

_~ M. Pepper Langlinais, screenwriter and author of the K-Pro and Peter Stoller series_

www.PepperWords.com

#  Nick Wilford

So, you finally took the plunge and started writing that novel. That's a big step, and I wish you all the very best. I'm not really here to give you advice about plotting or characters, because you'll figure that out as you go along with the help of all those brilliant writers you are yet to meet. No, what I really want to say to you is, CREATE A ROUTINE FOR WRITING. Stick to it! You went part-time at work for this. Make that time count. Don't just write when you feel inspired, because sadly that isn't going to happen every day. Get your bum in that chair and get words on the screen. Whatever you do, DON'T spend nearly the next four years agonising over this book, sweating over every word, including six months of waiting to hear back from an editor someone had put you in touch with! She might not like it, so don't put all your eggs in one basket.

What you really want to do is get online and meet like-minded souls who will offer ceaseless advice and support. It makes everything a lot better. Some of them might even be able to have a look through your stuff and tell you what works and what doesn't. You'll get to a point where you can't tell up from down, so you'll really need some fresh eyes and an outside perspective. Reading their stuff is going to be a great learning experience, too.

So, my number one tip for pursuing publication? DON'T BE ALONE. There's no need to be when there's such an array of welcoming writers out there to share the journey with. Writing is a hard slog. Not going to make any bones about that, so you'd better get used to it. But it's a whole lot sweeter when there are others you can share the heartache and joy with, who've been through the same things and are still going through them. Savour those friendships, because you'll need them when things get tough.

_~ Nick Wilford_

nickwilford.blogspot.co.uk

#  Pauline Baird Jones

Dear Me a thousand years ago (give or take a few seconds),

I knew I wanted to be an author a long time before I started to seek publication. Okay, I probably didn't know when I was a baby, but I see I looked worried, so maybe I did.

I'm gonna be what??

So, if I could actually write to Past me, here is what I'd say:

Am I glad you didn't know what was ahead? Maybe a little. Becoming a published author is a lot like getting married. Or becoming a mother. Or getting old...

• You don't know much.

• You don't know what you don't know.

• And you don't believe the people who do know.

• It's both harder and more wonderful than you expected

To infinity and beyond me!

Past Me, I know you probably wouldn't have tried this if you hadn't stumbled onto _Becoming a Writer_ by Dorothea Brande. You found it in the local library, one of only two writing books on the shelves way back then. I forget the title of the second book (thankfully) because it was awful and negative and particularly dismissive of women authors. Brande's book was an invitation to explore and try. It gave you the courage to begin. When it re-released, you bought a copy. Even now I only have to look at the cover and feel my spirits lift. So good find, me of then.

Fast forward through many painful starts and crappy writing (wow, don't you wish you had **that** remote and could fast forward?), through some playwriting that was both fun and still helpful, pause for my first and second sale with actual money exchanging hands (yay!), to the early 90's when:

• The first Gulf War

• The television show _Scarecrow and Mrs. King_

• My Muse

• The Internet

I'm really rocking it. Can you tell I've entered the self conscious zone, i.e. high school?

...intersected with your life and got mixed up inside your head. The result was your first completed novel ( _Pig in a Park_ , eventually retitled _The Spy Who Kissed Me_ ) and your first exposure to actual published authors. Past Me, you weren't always grateful, but Present Me is grateful for each and every one of them who offered advice. I wish you'd listened to them (see **believe the people who do know** ). It took some whacks upside the head (i.e. rejection letters) before you did begin to believe them. I can still remember your shock and your awe (see first Gulf War – grin) when you began to really understand what you'd gotten yourself into.

Would it have changed that much if you'd believed? Probably not. But you might not have picked that first agent because she had on this awesome denim dress when you met her. Though it was a great dress. And what happened wasn't her fault. Or yours.

**Advice You Should Have Listened to** :

• Don't pick an agent because they will take you. Or because of what they are wearing. In other words:

• Don't be desperate. You don't make good decisions when you're desperate.

• Even a good agent might not be right for you. Or she might work for someone who is a nightmare. Or you're just the wrong fit. It happens.

• Yes, you are running a business, even when you think you're not.

I apparently decide to become a spy. Or a romantic suspense author....

**Advice I'm Glad You _Didn't_ Listen to**:

• Everyone who told you "you can't do that because..."

This is a business **ruled** by "that's how it's always been done..." Past Me, I'm glad you weren't. That you did it your way, even when it was swimming against the current. For a really long time.

**Some things I'm glad you did** :

• Went digital with _Pig in a Park_ when everyone you knew told you that first books never get published and you should shove it in a box under the bed...

• Didn't put any of your books in a box under the bed. Past Me, you finished them all.

• Went with Five Star to get into hardcover, even though the break up was messy (you learned a lot and only got singed from that adventure in publishing...)

• Went with Hard Shell and L&L Dreamspell

• Extra glad you went Indie last year

If I could change one thing, Past Me, I wish you'd gone indie (self published) at least a year sooner than you did. Having access to actual sales figures has been one of the most liberating and useful things an author can have (besides getting paid every month). For the first time in my thousand year (give or take a few minutes) journey, I can see what works and what doesn't. I'm not throwing things against the wall and not ever seeing if they stuck. I'm able to plan ahead and adjust my writing schedule to what's actually happening with my sales.

Green-as-grass author...

Past Me, the one thing I have never, ever regretted is **becoming** a writer. I love every novel I've written and I am so grateful for the people who have helped me along the way—people who didn't hold it against me when I didn't believe them, btw.

My first "official" author photo, taken by the hubs.

And I'm grateful to the real **readers** who have stuck with me, too. Their reviews and encouragement—or just simply buying my books—has helped me keep going when the Muse was tired and my Life Happened. (And thank you to my awesome family and friends who didn't have me committed...)

I've found that non-writers look at writing and either think "I could do that," or they think "I could never do that." Explaining what I do to either of them is a lot like explaining parenting or marriage or fill-in-the-blank-with-a-hard/wonderful-thing that you do. Don't get me wrong, I love getting paid for doing something I love, but I would write—I **did** write—for free for a long time. And I kept writing for "piffilous" pay (thank you Dr. Suess!). I'm glad Past Me hung in there. It got better.

Perilous P of the now...

Oh, and Future Me, don't ever forget that you'll need to love storytelling if you're going to keep doing this. But if you can save yourself, you probably should. It's a mad-bad-insane-wonderful-addictive business to be in. I know, you couldn't then, can't now, so Future Me, welcome to crazy. Again.

Perilously yours,

Pauline

_~ Pauline Baird Jones_

www.paulinebjones.com

#  PK Hrezo (co-host)

Dear New Writer,

I know how you're feeling: Fired up and bubbling over with ideas. Eager and Motivated. And maybe a little freaked out at the same time.

I welcome you to the ranks of writer-dom.

I wish I could say it gets easier as you go, but the truth is, there are only different degrees of difficulty. But it's important that throughout all of it, you lock a way a tiny bit of that passion you're now feeling in a safe place deep inside you, because you will need to unlock it again and again to remember why you started this journey.

Let me start with the bad news:

  * There will be rejection.
  * There will be readers who don't get your work.
  * There will be missed opportunities because you can't do everything.
  * There will always be some other writer with a better book deal, more sales, faster production, etc.
  * There will be other writers who don't consider you the same caliber of writer because of your unique path.
  * There will be insecurity because you missed a typo, or ignored sage advice, or published or submitted too soon.
  * There will be days when you don't know what to write, or how to make your story work.
  * There will be days when you don't know why or how you ever thought you could be a writer and be good at it.
  * There will be days when everything feels like crap.
  * You can't, nor ever will be able to, please everyone.

_Welcome to writer-dom._

But don't run away screaming yet. Remember that little treasure chest of passion you locked away? Good, because you will be able to access it whenever you want. It's all yours. And no one can ever take that away.

It will remind you of everything good:

  * You're a creator.
  * You have unlimited access to your imagination.
  * Every word, sentence, and paragraph you slave over will make you into a brilliant writer.
  * You spun an intricate tale out of nothing. Like magic!
  * You've laughed, and cried, and got pissed off all because the characters in your head came to life—a life that YOU gave them, and now they're as real to you as your next door neighbor. Others will find them real too.
  * You can spend hours alone, creating, and never once feel lonely.
  * The feeling of accomplishment that gives your body a full rush after typing THE END is all yours. You did it yourself.
  * Total satisfaction when a critique partner, beta reader, reviewer gets your story—and maybe even sees things you never realized before. That's because something magical and inexplicable happens when you create a piece of art—like casting paint over canvas, from blank page to finished story—each person will see something different.

The ups and downs of being a writer elude no one. So I warn you now, if you're vision consists of sitting in sunshine while putting your feather plume pen to parchment, wake up and smell the coffee stains. Then, roll up your sleeves and prepare to get dirty in your own blood, sweat, and tears. And above all, remember the three Ps:

**Persistence**

**Passion**

**Patience**

  * Never give up—because you'll never be able to tell how close you are to getting there.
  * Remember why you started writing in the first place. Always and forever. Remember it, and revisit it. Matter of fact, write it down right now and tuck it away or post it over your desk.
  * There will be so many times when you think you're there—when you've worked so hard—but the truth is, you're just not. You won't see it. You'll be frustrated. You'll want signs you're moving in the right direction. There's a reason why they say it takes a million words to become a decent writer. _Remember your passion_ , and remember that no matter how much of a failure you feel like, **KEEP WRITING.**

Always keep writing. Use your emotion to create new stories.

_And read, read, read_.

A writer **MUST** read. After every story you write, read a bestseller. Figure out why it's a bestseller. Take notes. Then go back and re-read your story. How can yours be better?

Find reliable, honest critique partners and hold onto them as if they're gold. They are. Don't fall into a trap of negative partners. The only negativity you should have to endure from a critique partner, are their polite suggestions for improving your stories. And that's not negativity— _that's growth_. Don't fall into the trap of partners who are TOO polite either. Honesty is key, and always have at least one writer who's more skilled than you, read your work. At every stage of your writerly path, find someone who knows more, and who has been at it longer, to critique your work.

And in conclusion, I'll leave you with my favorite piece of advice to writers at all stages—advice I came to on my own, from years and hours of trial and error at the keyboard:

Not every story will turn into something great, and that's okay. Write it anyway. With all your heart and soul, write it. Because although it may not be the masterpiece you'd hoped, it's a necessary step along the path to making YOU into a great writer, and looking back on those stories that amounted to nothing, will show you how far you've come.

**_In the end we regret most, the chances we do not take._**

Now go ye forth and write! Create! Unleash the passion!

Peace, love, and inspiration,

_~ PK Hrezo, author of the Butterman Travel series_

Join her email list here!

#  Robyn Campbell

Dearest Robyn of eight years ago, *groan*

I recognize the sparkle in your eyes, and that boundless energy coupled with your zest for writing. I notice you have some manilla envelopes on the desk addressed to agents and publishers, too. *shakes a weary head* It might be awhile before you need to worry about mailing those manuscripts off. I wouldn't put a stamp on them just yet.

I can see the excitement on your face when you write and read your stories. You think NO ONE has ever written such beautiful wordage. You believe that the first agent or editor to lay eyes on your stories will JUMP at the chance to sign you to a thirty-year contract. Oh my. Bless your heart, girlfriend. You have a FEW things to learn.

First up, buy a pencil sharpener and a lot of erasers. Purchase plenty of composition notebooks, copy paper (not the thick kind for agent and editors, the Dollar Store brand for printing, reading, and shredding).

Invest in some critique partners and beta readers who for the most part. are as inexperienced as you. Have a couple GO TO peeps who have realized their dreams already. They KNOW way more than you do right now and will happily help you along your merry way. But don't forget to give way more than you get. That's the writerly code. Always pay it forward. It'll make you feel good even on those days when seven rejections pop into your inbox. Oh, and don't look at me that way. The rejections will come. Please buy writing how-to books, lots of them. If money is tight then just wait and buy SAVE THE CAT. Read every picture book and MG novel you can. Learn the writing terms and abbreviations (you'll thank me for this one), what genre is, and study word count expectations for what you're writing at the moment.

You'll throw stuff (your hubby learns how to duck), you'll cry long, slow tears, that never seem to stop washing down your face. You'll scream, "I QUIT!", more times than I can tell you. I dare say you will even throw notebooks in the trash, delete stories, and start to pitch your writing books in the garbage. But then something will call to you. Or should I say someone. Your characters who live inside your head will beckon you to let them whisper in your ear. Then you'll be off on another adventure. Scribbling and scrabbling, typing and deleting. Yes, Robyn, you'll be dreaming with that faraway look on your face and your head in the clouds. AGAIN!

Then the cycle will begin anew. Many, many, many times. Your heart will break with each and every rejection. You'll notice friends snagging agents and book deals. A lot of them will stop emailing and conversing with you. But that's okay. They have their journey, and you have yours. You'll meet new friends, and that's where you'll learn THE code. These new writing pals will be everlasting friends who ALWAYS know the right words to say to bring you back up. They also always give the best critiques because they want your success as much as you do. Pretty cool, huh? I know you can't wait to get where I'm at right now. But remember this. You HAVE to go through the storm to find the rainbow.

Your sunshine, your kaleidoscope will come what may. Through all the hard times, those easy days (when those words won't stop pouring out of you), and the moments when you think you'll never laugh like that again. You will find peace with yourself about this weary/lively road you've taken. There will be rocky times ahead even now. But you want this so bad that you can taste it. It burns inside you. This flame will never be extinguished. So write on. You'll learn so much it will feel like your brain might burst. Never fear. It won't. Keep on keepin' on, you keeper of the writing flame. You WILL have your day in the sun, and it WILL be worth all the toil and trouble, tears, and gut-wrenching pain you'll endure. That's when you will thank me for mailing this letter to you. Now where did I put that stamp?

Love,

Robyn

_~ Robyn Campbell, picture book and MG author_

robyn-campbell.blogspot.com

#  S.A. Larson

**Dear Newbie Scribe Sheri,**

You're going to be struck by an amazing idea for a story, after finishing a young adult novel. You'll enjoy it so much that you actually read the author's bio. She's a working mom with two children. Um ... you have four minions and a mind dripping in creativity. Could you actually bring your story idea to life?

Doubt will instantly drape over you like a lead blanket. That is such a crazy idea. You could never do it. Talking yourself out of it is easy. At first.

Later, while you're folding laundry and jamming to music as you do, you'll recall the bazillion movies you watched during junior high and high school, and how you broke each down, creating new scenes or alternate endings. You've surely made up plenty of off-the-cuff stories to get one of your minions calmed down. And then there are the dance routines you choreographed and the murals you painted. That creativity has to count for something, right?

You love to read, and you've always adored writing. Heck, for years whenever your closest family members and friends have needed something written they've come to you. They all say you can write.

That young adult book will be on your nightstand. You'll pick it up and begin to dissect it. Now that you look at it again, it's good, but maybe not as good as you thought. Your original story idea is as good, and with a little work, it could be even better.

**Let me stop you here.**

It won't simply take a little work. Think of dragging your original story idea along a city street after a bomb has exploded. Your story gets snagged on shrapnel and stumbles over debris. Falls into a crater and endures numerous lacerations while crawling to the surface. It will attempt to hide and fail then dodge punches from the enemy ( _which is you, by the way_ ). Fighting back will leave your story battered, bruised, exhausted, and hopeless.

Your original story will gaze up at you through bloodshot, exhausted eyes. It will plead with you to clothe it as it should be, give it the scenes and words and emotions it needs. It will beg you for bold characters and striking scenes to captive a future reader. Your story wants to be told.

Now stop. Panicking isn't going to move you forward. Stop and think, really think if you want to endure all that. If you do, you must gain the tools necessary to nourish your story.

**So here's what you do:**

1. Study as many books on the craft of writing as you can. Take notes. Notes, notes, and more notes on notecards, sticky notes, or small notebooks so you can take them with you while you're at your four minions' numerous activities.

2. Jot down major writing skills you now realize you must learn. Exercise them through practice sentences, paragraphs, chapters, or short stories. Don't ever toss anything you've written. Even if it's total suckage. You never know what might inspire you later on.

**Be positive.**

3. Don't be too hard on yourself for not having perfect writing skills already. Even the greatest of authors have been where you are—the beginning. They've honed their writing skills through years of study and utilizing writing tools.

4. Don't compare your journey to other's writing travels. Just don't.

5. Some family and friends won't _get_ you. They will learn.

6. Use the internet. It will be one of your greatest allies. I honestly don't know how writers did it before cyberspace was available.

\- Start your own site or blog.

\- Surf the web to find other writers and comment on their posts.

\- Follow writing resource blogs to keep your skills fresh, Fiction University being one.

\- Attend a Twitter chat such as #mglitchat or #yalitchat.

\- Writing communities are a must to keep your spirits up. Join one such as Writer Support 4U, which is a private Facebook group or Insecure Writers Support Group.

**Be brave and give back.**

7. Ask other writers to read your work. Offer to read theirs.

8. Be a mentor on a site that offers official critiques.

9. When you FINALLY take your husband's advice to submit to publishers on your own instead of continuing your search for an agent, you'll receive multiple offers for your YA novel. Don't accept them. Instead, accept the offer of representation you'll receive from a twenty-year veteran agent, who sees potential in you and your offers.

You will be forever grateful.

**Hearts** from your older & wiser writer self,

SA Larsen

_~ SA Larsen, author of YA, MG, & PB tales_

www.salarsenbooks.com

#  Sarah Brentyn

Networking: A Necessary Evil for Introverted Writers

Dear writing-is-the-only-thing-I've-ever-wanted-to-do Sarah,

Yes, yes, you've been writing stories since you could hold a pencil. Some are still in your scrapbook. Whatever. You have a lot to learn, love. I'll concede that you're young and naïve but that's all you're getting from me. Except advice. Which is this: get off yer ass.

Your "if I write it, they will come" attitude is helping you go nowhere. Sort of quickly. But wait! There's more! If you act now, you will be a published writer. You won't be paid mass amounts of money, but your writing will be out there, in the world, being read, by real people. Cool, huh?

When you're about to leave your precious thirties, the decade you love so much, you make a decision that will lead to much crying and stress. Do it anyway and thank me later. That decision is horrifying to you and requires that you put yourself out there. Yourself and your writing. Don't whine at me that you've sent amazing stories out sporadically only to have them rejected. Twenty submissions? Wow. That's a crapload. Over thirty years? Not so much. Don't argue with me that you're trying—you're not.

Being a writer is not a romantic skip through the daisies in a flowing gauzy gown. It's a nasty trudge through the mud in pajamas. Uphill. In the rain. With wolves chasing you.

Okay, sweets, here's the deal. Writing is a business. You have to do ghastly things like meet with people, join social media, go to conferences, and talk to agents. I'm sorry, I really am, but you have to...network. Are you okay? I'll give you a minute.

At your very first conference, you will cry. In front of people. It's pretty funny. Now, I mean. It's funny now. I'm laughing with you not at you? Oh, never mind. And when an editor does not ask "Are you on Twitter?" but "What's your Twitter handle?" you will get a reality slap because you are not on Twitter. You will then join Twitter. And you will cry. But this time it's at home so no one will see you. Hugs.

The writing life is not about hanging in your yoga pants typing at your laptop with a cuppa. It's real, dirty work. But you love writing, you need it, and that will keep you going—submitting, networking, and promoting. Those aren't easy tasks for an introvert like you, but you can do it.

You know how to write. You've been writing for many years. You taught writing for many years. Pick your confidence up out of the dirt, dust it off, and put it back where it belongs. Ignore negativity. Also, please continue to ignore the rules of grammar and "good writing". Throwing those rules out the proverbial window is crucial to keeping your voice.

So there it is, love. Be your own bad self. Own your shit. Don't give up. Use your voice. Be authentic. And, for the love of toads and crickets, ditch the doubts!

Onward,

Older, wiser, not-growing-old-as-gracefully-as-you-said-you-would Sarah

_~ Sarah Brentyn_

rantsaboutparenting.blogspot.com

#  Seth Z. Herman

Dear 2004 Seth,

Hey, Seth! Guess who? It's me! I mean, it's you, from the future, writing a letter to you about, er, that writing thing you've started to take seriously. And no, I don't know how this works. Some chick named Carrie Butler figured it out, I dunno.

(No, you're not dating her. Stupid hormone-filled male. She's a writer friend, from something called Twitter (you'll find out what that is soon enough). Remember that girl you had a broken engagement with last year? You end up marrying her. Two kids, lovely family. So stop worrying.)

Anyway.

That writing thing I mentioned? I'm here to tell you: _it's all going to work out._ You're going to end up with an agent, and you _will_ end up with a book deal.

Hold on, I'm not finished. Ready for the bad news?

_It's going to take you ten years_.

Okay, okay, stop cursing at the computer screen. Calm down, hear me out. First of all, you're going to be a rabbi by '09, and people don't like when rabbis curse. Second, along with those ten years comes a boatload (see how I didn't write the _other_ kind of "load?") of experience and knowledge. I've done a ton of work on my craft, and I know stuff.

(And it _is_ a craft, no doubt about it. I know right now you think you can just sit down and fire off a 300-page novel in a month, just because you love reading and you enjoy writing. No, writing is _work_. Hard freaking work. If that's the only thing you learn from this letter... you'll be so much better off, it's ridiculous.)

Okay, let's get started. Ask yourself, right now:

_If you knew the journey would take ten years, would you still have done it?_

I hope so. Because it's still awesome. Oh, there are ups and downs, for sure. But to help you deal with that roller coaster of emotion, here's a little insider info about what I've learned:

A) People do _not_ get published overnight. People don't just make the NYT Bestseller list because they have a good idea for a book. Characters require molding. Plotting requires analysis. Technique requires _work_. This is a _job_ , bro, and you need to treat it as such. You need to put in the effort, otherwise you'll never get there. The writing industry is _brutal_ \- you cannot make it if you are 1% less than totally awesome.

B) On the flip-side, the _people_ in the writing industry are _amazing_. They realize what a tough industry it is, and they really try to pay-it-forward as best they can. Get online, get into a writer's group, go meet people. They will help you tremendously.

C) As soon as social media comes out, hit that up. So fast. I cannot tell you the leaps and bounds I have made since getting on the aforementioned Twitter, for example. To wit: My self-esteem has gone through the roof. Remember how embarrassed you used to be about being a writer? How that kid Michael laughed at you when you shared your novel with him? How he told you that you suck? No more of that. You're brimming with confidence, and your writing is so much better for it.

(Also - no offense, but in 2004, you _did_ suck. Sorry, it's true. You need to hear it. Hear it, cry about it... now go do something about it.)

D) You're going to query. A lot. And get rejected. _A lot_. Two hundred queries worth, if you can believe it, and then a year-long wait after you've finally landed an agent, just to sign with a small press. No, most writers do not have six-figure offers waiting on their doorstep. Yes, the rejection will hurt, but hopefully it will make you realize you're simply not there yet as a writer. _Get better_.

E) Finally, if I have to leave you with one tip about writing - WRITE GOOD BOOKS. I know that sounds stupid, but what I really mean is, WORK ON YOUR CRAFT. (have I mentioned that yet?) Technique is crucial. _Study writing like you would study any other subject._ Then put what you've learned into practice.

And focus on your characters, not your story. That's what people want to read about, after all. The most amazing premise in the world will do you _nothing_ if your characters are cardboard cutouts. Focus on the characters - their wants, their thoughts, their emotions - and cut down on the superduperheromagic stuff. Don't get me wrong, make sure the book is awesome... but make sure it's emotional, first and foremost. Then fill in the cool stuff.

Okay, I gotta go. Listen - enjoy yourself, all right? Because that's really the bottom line. Good things happen to the people who work for them.

Later bro.

Seth, circa 2014

_~ Seth Z. Herman, author of THE GUARDIAN LINEAGE_

@sethzherman

#  Shelly Arkon

WORTHLESS AND INSULTED

_Talia blinked watery blue eyes at the freckled face boy standing head to head with her._

_He ran his hand underneath his nose and then scratched at a scab on his lift elbow._

_Her cheeks blushed a rose color as she watched. There was something about him that gave her butterflies in the pit of her stomach._

At eleven, these beautiful words written by another eleven year old plundered my heart. It even discouraged me from writing anymore stories for a long time. My stories seemed so...STUPID! The way I put my words together were total BLECK ! I never felt good enough or worthy or confident in my own ability to create a story like (changing her name to protect the perfectly innocent here) Maria Amos.

What I've learned since...everyone is unique. Each writer has their own voice and their own way in putting a story together. We should NEVER-EVER compare ourselves with other writers. It's one sure way to keep you from practicing your craft to make it better or keeping you from finishing and publishing anything.

_"Do you think you can clarify 'she worked like a dog all day'?" Miss M asked me, wrinkling her forehead in confusion._

At sixteen, I had entered a short story competition that my high school was putting on. I worked tirelessly on mine. To me, it was the best ever story... EVER.

One of my high school teachers offered to critique and edit it for me. Well...I didn't take her constructive criticism as helpful advice. Instead, I took it as an insult.

Sadly, I never finished my piece for the competition and withdrew from it completely.

What I've learned since...another pair of eyes will always see something you or me won't or can't. Stories are like families. We make excuses for our bad habits and enable them on because we're too close to really fix what could be better.

So don't ever GIVE UP if you THINK someone else's story or voice or idea is way better than yours. And don't take someone's critique as either a correct or wrong assumption. Weigh everything. Consider what is said. It's always good to have three sets of eyes. Then if two out of three see the same writing issue, fix it.

Oh and treat yourself to some delicious chocolate while perfecting your story or stories. It makes everything better.

Hugs and chocolate, all!

Shelly

_~ Shelly Arkon_

secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com

#  Sherry Ellis

Dear Self:

So, you want to write a book? Let me tell you a few things I've learned after ten years of stumbling around, trying to figure it out. The first step is to do a little research. Don't just jump blindly into it like I did. You'll need to learn about publishers. There are all kinds of options: Traditional publishers, subsidiary publishers and self-publishing. A good book to help you learn about these options is, _How to_ _Publish and Promote Your Book_ , by L. Diane Wolfe _._ If you choose the traditional way (which I would recommend trying first because it's rather expensive doing it the other ways), you'll have to figure out which publisher is suitable for your work. Since you want to write children's books, I'd recommend getting the book, _Children's Writers_ _and Illustrators_ _Market_. Agents and publishers, along with their submission requirements, are listed. Another great resource is www.querytracker.com.

Of course before you can submit your manuscript, you'll have to write it. And you'd better make sure it's the best it can be. This means revise! Yes, the ugly "r" word. You might need to revise a hundred times before you get it right. Trust me. I know! The first draft is never good enough! I'd recommend joining a critique group. They can work wonders on helping you improve your writing skills. Don't know where to begin? Join a local writing group. Since you're a children's writer, find the local SCBWI chapter and attend some meetings. You'll make friends and learn great tips!

Once you're happy with your manuscript, and it's formatted correctly, don't forget to get it edited – by a professional. Sure, it'll cost some money, but it's worth it. You can't catch everything!

About the submission process – it's long! Make sure you learn how to write a good query letter and synopsis. And follow the publisher's directions. Then send. And wait. You may wait a while. And when you finally do get a response, it'll probably not be what you want to hear. That's the other ugly "r" word: "rejection." Get used to it. It's part of every writer's experience. Don't let it get you down. If you happen to get lucky and receive specific feedback from a publisher, consider it, and decide if you want to make the suggested changes. Sometimes they actually know what they're talking about. Sometimes.

Eventually you'll see your work in print. If you stick with it, you'll get there one way or another. Then the fun begins. Marketing. It's not over once you're published. Get ready for the marathon. Marketing is not something you do for a couple of weeks or months. It's years. I'm talking the entire life of the book (or yours). Make sure you have established an online presence (Facebook, Twitter). And blog. The blog community is wonderful. They'll help you get the word out about your book. There are all kinds of things you can do to market – do blog tours, solicit reviews, enter contests and make book trailers. To learn about these and other things, get a book called, _1001 Ways to Market Your Books_ , by John Kremer. It'll be your marketing Bible.

The path of a writer is not always easy. You can expect a lot of bumps along the way. But if you stick with it, the rewards are definitely worth it. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Sherry Ellis

_~Sherry Ellis, author of THAT MAMA IS A GROUCH_

www.sherryellis.org

#  S.J. Pajonas

Dear Stephanie of 2011,

Hi! It's me, Stephanie of 2014. I know, I know. Don't freak out. Time travel is still not possible, but with the wonders of the internet, I am able to look back in time and see what these last three years have done to you. Remember that day when you decided to write for real? And then you went on Twitter and told everyone you were going to write FOR REAL? Yeah? That was a good decision. Really. I'm super proud of you for finally hiking up your big girl pants and doing the thing you wanted to do for over a decade. You struggled for months over whether to go back to work or not. Being a full-time mom was fulfilling, but it just wasn't enough.

Getting back to writing was the best decision you ever made. Sure, you sucked in the beginning. And your first three or four (maybe even five) drafts of REMOVED were awful. But you stuck with it. You learned how to revise. You learned over the course of three books how to take criticism, how to show not tell, how ditch passive voice, and how to actually publish books. You published your own books instead of waiting around for agents and editors to do it for you! Congratulations!

You know what was really hard to learn? You will not be an overnight sensation. Nope. Three years later, you can't even call yourself a best seller...or even a good seller...barely a decent seller (let's come back to this in three years again, okay? There's room for improvement). You had ideas of making it big like most people do, and that's still possible, but it's going to take a really long time. What you can say for yourself is that you're a hard worker with lots of great ideas. There are LOTS of books in you. More than the one idea you started off with! And ALL of those books are going to carry you far.

One thing you didn't know in the beginning about the publishing industry is that your backlist is everything. Sure some lucky authors do well on the first book, but for you, you'll start selling more books when you write and publish more books. In 2014, you're starting to feel the momentum, and this is typical of mid-list authors, which is where you are comfortable. By the end of 2014, things could be really good. Keep your fingers crossed.

Guess what? You hated all those writing resources, but it turns out you really only need the EMOTION THESAURUS. God, that book is great. Don't leave home without it. And thank your lucky stars you found WRITE. PUBLISH. REPEAT. because it completely changed your life. Completely. This was THE BOOK that turned things around for you and made you incredibly glad to be a self-publisher. Because, look, you never regretted self-publishing. Not once. Not ever. You never looked at your friends struggling to find an agent and thought, "I wish I had done that." You never once looked at your friends fumbling over contracts or waking up one day to find their publisher out of business and thought, "I wish I had done that." Nope. It's hard doing it all by yourself, but you can count on being responsible. You're smart. You're strong. You can keep going when others cannot.

Oh, one last thing. Next time you want to write a series, write it all ahead of time, okay? Getting three books written out of four was really good. A valiant effort. All four books would have been epic. Then you could have released them all in quick succession while working on other projects. If I could tell this to all writers, I would. Otherwise, you're doing a great job. Keep up the good work.

xoxo, Stephanie of 2014.

P.S. A year ago today you finished the first draft of FACE TIME, and it's already in readers' hands getting great reviews. See? Hard work = Success.

_~ S.J. Pajonas, author of the Nogiku and Love in the Digital Age series_

**www.sjpajonas.com**

#  Stephanie Faris

Dear Know-It-All:

Stop. Don't send that manuscript. I know you're all proud of yourself because you wrote three books in a couple of months, but you'll soon learn about a thing called _revising_. You need to read over that manuscript and make sure it's perfect before you send it to an acquiring editor.

Of course, you won't listen. You're so enthusiastic and excited, you're sure an editor will take one look and sign you immediately. Never mind that you don't even know what happens when an editor signs you. You figure you'll learn those things as you go.

You have a long way to go, but perhaps it's best you don't know that. Soon you'll not only join a writer's group, you'll be instrumental in creating it—the first-ever Nashville chapter of Romance Writers of America. You'll meet some incredible people, including some famous novelists. They'll teach you how to handle booksignings and speaking engagements and survive rejection after rejection after rejection.

Interestingly, though, your career will come full-circle before you publish. It's 1995 and there's no market at all for young adult fiction. Middle grade is practically non-existent. You'll have to wait for someone named J.K. Rowling to come along and change everything. Don't bother saving those two young adult manuscripts you wrote last month, though. They're each about as good as any book would be that was created in only a couple of weeks.

The best advice you'll ever hear is that you should always have more than one iron in the fire while querying publishers and agents. That advice will help you through many rejections.

Meanwhile, enjoy the journey. You'll look back on every step of it someday with great fondness. To paraphrase a future crazy teen pop star: It doesn't matter how fast you get there—it's all about the climb.

_~ Stephanie Faris_

www.stephaniefaris.com

#  Tammy Theriault

Dear Little-Freckled-Faced-Red-Hair-Braided-8-year-old-self,

I love you. You...are...amazing. Remember that always. Sometimes you'll forget that along the way, but today, I miss you immensely. The spark in your brown eyes, wonder in your imagination, go-getter attitude, no cares in the world, and just pure ignorant bliss. How I wish I were you all over again!

I see you now, sitting there in the big red van, waiting for Dad to pitch the green canvas over it so we can start "camp" and eat. You have your notebook out, the one where you're writing your first poem ever about "The Tent" with picture in all. It makes me teary-eyed seeing you so innocent and about to dive into a whole other side of talents God gifted you.

From then, you'll fill those pages with a gazillion other poems, showing your emotions in black and white, or rhyming about things you see. You'll release yourself through them, some attempts at stories, and through the countless songs you compose. And when you sing/read them for people, they'll smile! Don't lose that feeling. It's called appreciation for your efforts and talent. It becomes scarce and maybe too competitive for smiles the older you get.

Come the end of H.S., you'll take a creative writing class that'll rock your world, and you begin your first real novel. But sadly you'll lose it. It's okay though. Lose it. Trust me. You'll write other things in the meantime of that lost novel. Newspaper articles, more poems, more songs, magazine articles, and then suddenly...you'll remember that book 14yrs later! When you do...it's going to be amazing because that's the exact same time you delve into the hidden world of blogging!

Don't ever give up on blogging! These are the friends and fans of your work and you of theirs. These wonderful people will guide, answer, and cheer for your writing when no one else seems to. And on top of that, you'll gain stellar, genuine friends. You'll learn about the gold of beta readers, too. They'll make you want to scream, cry, kill kittens, and all at the same time, grow bigger then the biggest tree ever. They tediously prune your work over and over again, but only to make it stronger and stronger. But you won't know it till you break down your stubborn walls. Besides, you only _think_ you know what you're doing. Wait till you start reading some of their amazing stuff!

And now my warning to you little 8-yr-old-self, behind every writer's window, they may be crying out for help in some way. And sometimes that person is you. Never turn your back on anyone, including yourself. When others are falling, pick them up. When you're falling, ask for a virtual hand. Forgive yourself often because you're not going to be able to do all that you wish. And never let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve to chase your writing dream clouds. Avoid those stormy rains, and just pray for sun!

I love you, and together...we WILL make it in the writing "world".

_~ Tammy Theriault_

tammybr2.blogspot.com

#  Theresa Milstein

Dear Me (from 8 years ago),

I know you're in the middle of writing your first manuscript. You're going to belt it out in 6 weeks, look at it a few times, and declare it done. Then you're going to query it.

DON'T.

You're so naive. You have much to learn.

In fact, if I were you I'd quit NOW. Seriously. (And invest in Apple.)

If you ignore my advice, you're going to set yourself up for 8+ years of self-doubt.

It's like being a model—not that I'd know—your friends and family tell you how beautiful you are. When you go on casting calls others will tell you that your eyes are too small, your legs aren't long enough, and you need to lose 10 lbs. After that, all you'll see are flaws and all you'll hear are the comments about what's wrong with you.

If I can't convince you to quit—because you already feel the pulse of the ideas flowing through your veins, digging into your marrow, crackling in your nerve fibers—I've compiled 8 pieces of advice:

1. Don't be hasty. The average writer takes 10 years to become published. (And even then, it's not like you can quit your day job.)

2. Don't wait 5 years to take that grammar course.

3. Read more books about the craft of writing from the start. (Read lots of fiction too—but I don't have to tell _you_ that.)

4. Don't wait for bouts of inspiration to write or you'll experience devastating droughts.

5. Find more critique partners early in your writing journey.

6. Realize that following 1-5 here doesn't guarantee you'll be published faster.

7. Rough drafts are just that. Most of writing is _revising_.

8. When you hit year 7, you're going to start having "almost made it" moments. Don't despair.

As I write this, I must admit, I've been despairing. A LOT. I'll read a fantastic novel and think, _"I'll never be able to write this well. I'm a hack."_ It's also hard to hear about the writers who have written for less time and nabbed agents and publishing contracts. Sure, there are writers who toiled for longer before they reached success, but how can I be tough on myself if I concentrate on _them_? And it's not jealousy. I'm asking, _"What's wrong with me?"_

Try not to compare yourself with other writers' journeys or anyone's "rules" for success. You don't have to write every day (though aim for nearly every day). You don't have to write a certain word count per day. You don't have to plot. There are examples of great writers in either the plotting and panstering camp, and most writers are a combo. You'll read blogs, attend conferences, and workshops where people tell you what you HAVE to do. Just like with critique groups, you'll get lots of advice, but you have to follow your INSTINCT.

The writing community is amazing. Supportive. Selfless. So, give as much as you get. In fact, give more. Console setbacks. Check in. Lift up. Cheer on. Celebrate successes.

And be sure to reach out for support when _you n_ eed it.

Much about writing is lonely and angst claws at our gut. Sometimes we resemble that piece of Voldemort's fractured soul at Platform 9 ¾.

Nobody understands this like other writers.

You're a bad writer right now. You have to be bad in the beginning in order to get better. A novel is woven with many-colored threads. To become a master weaver, it takes hours of practice and we can always improve.

If you keep at it, be prepared to meet people who say, "I'd like to be a writer, but I don't have the time." Writer friends will quit, no matter how much you try to encourage them. You will also contend with people who don't understand why you're still doing this _writing thing_ when you have no agent or publisher to show for it. And those rejections, even the kind ones, even those "almost" ones, will hurt. In those moments, you'll need to dig deep to muster the courage to continue.

The thing is, we writers have stories to tell. And when we weave the many threads—we wonder how our brain could accomplish something that amazing. WE DID! We want out stories to touch others the way certain books have saved us. We want those readers to feel like we wrote the book just for them.

On this journey, hold every glimmer of progress to your breast.

We can't give up.

Because just taking the journey is its own success.

Love,

Theresa

_~ Theresa Milstein, MG and YA author_

theresamilsten.blogspot.com

#  Tyrean Martinson

Dear young writer self,

I spent days thinking over this letter. I wrote one for my twelve year old self, and then I started thinking of my eighteen year old self, my twenty-one year old self, my thirty year old self, and finally, my thirty-seven year old self. At each of those moments, I stood at a crossroads with my writing path. At each of those moments I wrestled with hopes and fears, big dreams and big doubts.

At twelve, for the first time, a teacher will tell you that you could be an author. When this happens, I hope you listen to her fully. She will tell you that you have potential and talent. She will encourage you to dream. The storytelling dream in you will fill notebooks with stories. That burst of creativity and hard work will last until you face a crisis of faith that will hit you to the marrow of your belief in God. I wish I could spare you, but this will make you a stronger person. The whole world and your writing will seem pointless. But you will keep writing.

At eighteen, dear young writer, you will struggle against the doubts of others. Your parents will caution you to choose something practical, something that will get you a job. You will listen to them, and find out that you love to teach. And, you can keep on writing, filling notebooks and napkins, and receipts. You will write poems in the margins of your lecture notes and your classmates will encourage you to keep writing. Remember, even when you honor the advice of well-meaning parents who want you to "be practical," you can still keep writing.

At twenty-one, young writer, you will find unexpected success in three poems published by your college newspaper. You won't even know those poems were accepted until after you've worked a morning shift in the cafeteria and one of your co-workers gives you a glowing review and a hug. Then, you'll walk in a daze back to your dorm and then classes, during which time, at least ten people will tell you that they hate your poetry and they never want to speak to you again. And, they actually mean it and actually stop speaking to you. Thankfully, your real friends are going to encourage you. However, you're still going to feel like hell about it. And then, you'll keep writing. Your teachers will expect more of your essay writing, and they will even pull you aside and tell you that if you want an A, you're going to have to strip all the adverbs and trite sentence variations out of your writing because they expect more from you since you are a writer. Your classmates won't be held to the same expectations. Don't be discouraged. Take this as a compliment, and keep writing.

At thirty, semi-young writer, you will have two children, be faced with a life-changing health problem, and have a complete novel that seems to resist any attempts to revise it. You'll have been a part of an amazing writer's group, and then have been stuck with several terrible ones that will leave you with the desire to be a writing hermit. You will write during nap times, and in the mornings, and you'll discovery that poetry and short story starts keep your writing alive in the midst of days chasing your children around the house. You will keep writing, and you will have doubts of ever having anything published other than something for a Commercial Fiction class that you know was just a part of the class so it doesn't feel like it counts. Remember, it does count. And, keep writing.

At thirty-seven, middlish-young writer self, you will see the big FORTY looming on the horizon, and you will decide that you are going to be published no matter what life throws into your path. You will submit short stories and poetry like never before, and you will get published. You will even get paid a little. You will write another novel. You will decide to self-publish (not yet, but soon after the 40), and you will keep writing. You will start a blog, and you will meet encouraging blog buddies who have big dreams like you. And, you will keep writing.

So, the most important advice I can give you, young writer, at any age is threefold:

1. Keep Writing!

2. Believe in the gifts that God has given you. (And, by the way, believe in Him too - it will save your life)

3. Trust the words of encouraging friends.

Sincerely,

_~ Tyrean Martinson, the elder (the really old, the past 40, the determined writer; poet; author of The Champion trilogy; blogger at Tyrean's Writing Spot)_

tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com

#  VR Barkowski

Dear Veve,

I'm going to dispense with the party line here, the platitudes, the idealism, the writing as art BS that will be shoveled on you from the moment you set fingers to keyboard and call yourself—no matter how hesitantly—a writer. Simple truth: this is the 21st century. Anyone can publish a book and slap it up on Amazon. Know at the outset the chances of your writing making you rich, famous, or even putting food on the table are near-infinitesimal. Is writing a labor of love for you? No? Then this would be an excellent time to consider knitting or spelunking instead. It _is_ a labor of love, you say? Then writing is its own reward. _Keep writing._

That said, don't believe the hype. It's _not_ all about the writing. This may sound cynical, but far better you go into this endeavor with your eyes wide open than end-up broken and disillusioned. Publishing is first and foremost a business, and sublime writing matters not one whit if it doesn't fit the current market. While I would never advise you to write for the market, only a fool would ignore that mercurial beast, and I know you're no fool. Also, let me warn you, the wheels of publishing turn slow. No matter how patient you are, you will at some point be waiting and wondering what the hell is going on with a query, a submission, a contract negotiation, or a publisher. It is what it is. Be patient, don't dwell, and _keep writing._

While we're on the subject, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Don't wait. Install Scrivener on your computer _now_. Yes, I realize you are an MS Word power-user and that you've taught others to use that venerable Microsoft product. I don't care. Writing a novel requires project software not a word-processer. You need a program that will hold your research, photos, websites, and notes all in one place. That will allow you to drag and drop scenes. That will provide you with ready outlines and copies of every draft. Word provides you with a document. Scrivener provides you with an ecosystem for your manuscript—the perfect digital environment to _keep writing_.

Rejection can be harrowing, but you're tough, so hold your head high and put yourself out there. Consider submitting to writing contests. Many offer an opportunity for valuable feedback, as well as the chance to get your work in front of agents and editors. Make sure the competitions you choose are legitimate, well-established, and respected. A contest can also buoy your confidence, which may be exactly what you need to _keep writing_.

Finally, stay passionate and persevere. I touched on perseverance above, but it bears repeating. When seeking publication, the dictum _keep calm and carry on_ isn't just a slogan, it is a requirement. The second half of the equation¬—passion—is about you. Your personal journey _must_ be about the writing because writing is the only piece of the puzzle you control. If you love words (and you must), let them be your joy and solace. Learn " _The Rules,"_ then break them to find your voice. Write every day, and read everything, not just your genre. No matter how superb your prose, you will never achieve perfection. Appreciate the infinite possibilities and never stop learning. Be encouraged by praise. Pay attention to criticism. Never ever let anyone tell you _what_ to write, but _keep writing._

The writer's path is fraught with struggle and obstacle. There will be disappointments and many ups and downs. Let the words see you through. Never forget what a glorious privilege it is to express yourself on the page and share your stories with others. Most important of all? _Keep writing_.

Now, go out there and make me proud!

Wishing you boundless success,

VR

_~ VR Barkowski, author – psychological & literary suspense_

www.vrbarkowski.com

