The best writing advice I wish I practiced more comes down to four things. If you can implement these things into your own life pattern, you’ll be better off than me!

In the last few months, I’ve received private messages from acquaintances and off-handed comments from passersbys: “How did you do it?” and “I could never write a book.” and “What’s the secret?” and “That’s my dream someday.”

First of all, I’m no expert in the book author world — I’m still learning, but I figured I’d share what I’ve learned so maybe you can skip a few steps.

The Best Writing Advice I Wish I Practiced

Everyone has different rituals for getting the thing done. Some people like to write early in the morning before the sun is up while others prefer the company of late-night television. But these people share something in common.

Sit Your Butt Down

Don’t underestimate the power of sitting your butt down in your writing chair and getting words onto your blank page. For me, the blank page is actually the most difficult part. Once I have words, I can edit them. I can delete them. I can reshape them. They don’t have to be perfect. They just need to be there.

Choose a time of day, a place in your home, and a writing goal. Then do it.

Read What You Want To Write

One of the myths that I believed for a long time was that to be original, I should never read what I liked to read and hoped to write one day. Oh, yikes, you’re thinking. And you’re right (if that’s what you’re thinking!). Our brains are fantastic at creating connections. When you read brilliant writing, your brain captures some of the “how-to” and you’re secretly learning how to write better through the joy of great writing!

Seek out the best writers in your genre or field, and read their writing! Take time to ponder what makes their writing so great.

Talk to People Who Do What You Want to Do

Terrifying, right? I think so. The man in my life often says, “Why don’t you just ask?” I quiver in my boots, but then, I realize that he’s right. The most painless way to learn and make better connections is to just ask people who are further along the path. Chatting with someone who’s already published or written a rough draft or XYZ may help you skip a few hard-earned long routes that this other person dealt with! Just ask.

Join writers’ groups. Attend writing conferences (some are virtual). Follow your favorite writers on social media.

Take Yourself Seriously

So what you’re not XYZ yet! Whether that’s not published or haven’t written anything yet, take yourself seriously. You deserve it. Your dream deserves it. If you’ve written a rough draft, you can be proud of that. If you’ve written a book, be proud of your hard work (yes, there’s a difference between being-a-jerk proud and i-worked-hard proud).

Set aside time to figure out your next steps and don’t cancel on yourself and your dream.

From ages 5 to 18, I took dance classes twice a week. In that entire time, I never called myself a “dancer” because dancers were the professionals. It wasn’t until I quit dance classes that I realized I’d never taken myself seriously as a dancer. When I look back at that brain-thinking, I’m sad for past me. I am a dancer. After all, “dancer” is the noun for the action of the verb “dancing.” And even now, sometimes, you’ll catch me very seriously dancing in the car.

What I’m trying to say here is you’re a writer, especially if “all I do is write in a notebook” or “it’s just scribbles” or “no one would ever read my writing.”

What’s the best writing advice that you wish you practiced? Tell me in the comments!