1. Learn to live frugally and don’t get into debt.
2. Write what you want, not what you think “the market” wants.
3. Turn off the television.
4. Don’t major in Creative Writing in college. Chances are it will drain the life out of your creativity.
5. Never, ever criticize yourself during a first draft.
6. Have the courage to revise your work.
7. Read every night before you go to sleep.
8. Do not pressure yourself by saying “I have to get this published by the time I am 20 (or 30, or 40, or 80, etc.)
9. Write the story in your heart.
10. Pay attention to William Faulkner’s wise words. He said “Don’t be ‘a writer.’ Be writing.