Advice & Inspiration for Writers from Writers

Back in 2010, my first book made it into the publishing world. Excited in so many ways, I embarked upon a virtual book tour to promote it far and wide. One of the questions asked of me in several interviews was, "What advice would you give to new writers?"

Here is how I responded:

You have the power to make your dreams come true. Use it. Don’t let self-doubt, naysayers, or an overcrowded schedule get in the way of making your dreams a reality. You’ll make the time to write if you want it badly enough. Track your time for a week so you can discover where time is wasted, and don’t be afraid to delegate chores to others. Use positive self-talk instead of putting yourself down. Those who haven’t been called to be writers may not understand your desires, but that doesn’t make them any less valid. Perseverance will go a long way.

I would probably share the same advice today. Too often, we allow outside influences to get in the way of our creativity. Too often, we let self-doubt steal our confidence. We, the wordsmiths, forget the impact of criticism on productivity.

I'm not sure if today is the day you are struggling to string together ten words to make a sentence or not, but my hope is to leave you with enough inspiration to keep you scribbling or typing away for the rest of the week.

"A word after a word after a word is power."

--Margaret Atwood

"Words are a lens to focus one's mind."

- Ayn Rand

"Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it's the only way you can do anything really good."

--William Faulkner

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”

—Ernest Hemingway

“If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood.”

—Peter Handke

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married. Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com and her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com