writingtips

    When I visit classrooms, one thing I do is ask the
students to put their heads on their desks and close
their eyes. Then I ask them this question: "How many of
you would like to become writers one day?" Usually,
more than half raise their hands. (In case you are
wondering, no one raises their hand if their classmates
are watching.)

   The next question I ask is (eyes uncovered): "What
do you think it takes to become a writer?" The usual
answers are: imagination, wit, good spelling and
grammar (not always the case with me), discipline,
patience, and talent. What I tell them is that yes, all
these things are important, but the two most important
qualities are persistence and thick skin.

   Writers have to deal with rejection all the time
(believe me, I know!), but if you love to write and if you
have something important to say, just keep working at
it. Never, never, never, never give up.