1.  Never set goals. They stifle creativity.

2.  Never submit a proposal to a publisher; you’ll only get rejected. So quit while you’re ahead.

3.  Indulge yourself. Too tired to write? Take the day off. Better yet, take the week off.

4.  Wait for inspiration to strike. Don’t set aside a specific time each day for writing. Everyone knows creativity can’t be harnessed.

5.  Read a lot, especially when you could be writing. Assure yourself you’re keeping up with the market. Read ‘how-to’ books instead of writing.

6.  Never enter writing competitions. If you don’t win, you’ll only get depressed.

7.  Ignore all criticism. You’re an artist and they don’t comprehend your genius. They’re jealous of your talent.

8.  Clean the house. Who could possibly write when the bathtub is dirty?

9.  Don’t enlist the support of your family and friends. It’s selfish to want the time to pursue your own dreams.

10. Be a talker, not a writer. Call a friend and chat about writing.

11. Let your talent age like fine wine; don’t write until you feel ready to produce the Great American Novel.

12. Don’t believe in yourself. Consider writing a hobby, not a career.

13. Expect the worst. Then you won’t be disappointed.

14. Give in to fear. Editors won’t give new writers a chance, so why bother?

©Barbara Dawson Smith