A few tips for new writers

If you're just starting out in writing, here are a few things you should know:

1.If you haven't finished a book, no one cares what your pen name is. Seriously. Even after you've finished that first book, no one really cares what your pen name is. Pen names and the exhaustive effort to come up with one are just tools of procrastination. If you want people to care about your pen name, write a book that will do that. Oh, and just for the record? Some of us use our real names.

2. Support the published authors you know. That means, if you go to a book signing, buy their book. If they ask for comments on their blog, do it. Treat them the way you'd want to be treated when you achieve that same level of success.

3. If you want to be a published author, stop talking about writing and write. And then keep writing until you get to the end. Even if it sucks. If you can't finish a book you're in deep doody.

4. No one is an overnight success in this business. No one's success is comparative. My journey has nothing to do with your journey. Some people sell the first book they write. Some people sell the 13th. Jealousy will eat you alive if you let it. So don't.

5. Don't write to trends, unless you enjoy it. Write what you love, because if it sells, you may have to keep writing it for a long time.

6. Develop a full body callus. Critiques are hard, rejections are hard, reviews are hard. The sooner you figure that out, the better off you'll be. There might be some crying involved, but there's also chocolate and wine.

7. Know when to keep your mouth shut. There are going to be times you want to vent. Don't do it in public unless you're prepared to be called out for it. The internet is a very small place. So are local chapters and writing groups. I suggest a small circle of trusted, like-minded friends.

8. Lastly, when you do make it, remember those who helped you along the way.