School's In Session!

Today is the first day of school for many US school children. Mixed emotions loom over both parents and students as they prepare to transition from the lazy days of summer into the go, go, rush, rush mode of higher learning.

It's a time to get serious again: To focus, to reevlaulate, to test, and grow.

What transitions have you made with your writing lately in order to improve your writing?

What can you do right now in order to grow?

Below you'll find 3 ways to transition from becoming an occasional to a consistent writer:

• Write at least 4 sentences everyday.
• Refuse to listen to your haters.
• Take a writing class or go to a writer's conference

You need to look at learning as a way of getting closer to getting published. The more you know, the better you will write, and the more likely you are to get noticed by editors, publishers, and other people of influence.

Connect and Celebrate with Other Writers

You are not an island. Yes, I know the original quote is a little different, but writer, I'm talking specifically to you.

Many of us think we can get published on our own as long as we write a great manuscript, send it to the publisher, and get that letter of acceptance. However, for most people this is not the case. You need other writers and they need you. So you're afraid to meet new people-- but do it anyway.

Why is it so important for you to meet other writers?

• You need someone to read your writing before you send it off to the publisher.
• You need an honest, unbiased person to help you improve your writing
• You'll need to learn and gain access to the changing trends in writing.
• You need encouragement from other people who are in the same predicament as you, especially when times get tough.

Below you'll find some great ways to connect to other writers:

• Attend writers conferences
• Connect with a writer's group
• Tell others that you are a writer and you may find a fellow writer as you're talking
• Seek out other writers in your church, your social groups, among friends, and yes, even within your family

Even if you find one other writer, the two of you can strengthen each other along the publishing journey, and when you both get published, you can celebrate together!