• Nobody wants to steal any of my ideas so I shouldn’t spend much time trying to protect them (unless I become famous for writing, and then that’s another story).
  • Nobody really wants to collaborate on a book with me (especially my husband, who is an author.)
  • I don’t really want to collaborate on a book with anyone (especially my husband, who is an author).
  • I’ll probably not get wealthy as an author—the odds are against it. I’ll be happy if I make it to the dreaded “mid-list” that many authors complain about. I’ll be happy with some “mad money.”
  • I can always wish though.
  • An author can get better each year if he or she pays attention to the craft of writing.
  • The Internet can be an incredible help—and and immense time-waster. It’s better to look up what you need and write on a computer that’s not attached with the Internet.
  • There is no right way to start. Some authors start with a plot idea or a character. I seem to come up with a title first. It’s the only thing that “comes” to me. If the title doesn’t go away, I run with it.
  • I’m a morning person. If you’re a morning person, write in the a.m. If you’re a night person, write at night.
  • There is no such thing as a muse. Some things comes damned close. Music that inspires you. Passages from favorite books. A good movie. You have to start and get it down and edit later. Maybe the “muse” will come with editing.
  • Be careful not to cross the line from muse to stealing ideas.
  • Take criticism, but don’t take it to heart. Be open to advice. Let the advice settle about a week before re-looking or rewriting.
  • Be Brave. It’s hard to put yourself out there.
  • Perservere.