If you're just starting out as a writer -- as in, you have moved from "Some day I'm going to write a book" to "Hey, I just wrote the first chapter of my first novel...now what?" -- the following advice is a summary of tried-and-true stock tidbits you'll hear in some way, shape or form every time you ask an author what it takes to become one. And if you've been at this for a while...well, you've heard all this before. But you might at least take away an understanding chuckle.

Let me begin by stating something you might not be aware of: writing is work. Most successful authors talk about the joy of creation and the high that comes with filling a page with words that work together to create a story (and of course, the royalty checks help the high along). But I want you to know what you're getting into. Yes, the elation writing brings on a good day is incomparable. Addictive. Unbelievably thrilling. However, if you plan on getting serious about writing, there will be days when it's a drag. Depressing. Very nearly painful. Because the first thing you have to do is. . .

Write every day.

I'm not talking Monday through Friday here. You have to write every single day. Much like those stubborn arm and leg muscles that atrophy with disuse, your writing mind needs regular exercise. Even when you're sick, or tired, or would much rather be out in the yard lying on the grass and identifying cloud shapes. . . you must make time every day to plant your butt in a chair and get some words down. It may sound harsh, but it's the only way to improve. Practice makes perfect! (Ah, another tired old clich