It is reassuring that no matter what we write, it makes us better writers: our work is not wasted even if tossed out. Make it a habit to jot down dreams soon as you awake as they can be the raw material of a lifetime.

Writers are very fortunate that writing is always possible no matter the time of the day, how old we are, where we live, how much money we have. Some writers don’t even need a room of their own. I had one writing professor who wrote with the loudest music possible drinking strong coffee in a busy campus restaurant. No matter what writing you do, don’t depend entirely on your spell checker as we’ve all had experiences like: “Eye want to right well” going through the spell checker.

The more swings you take the greater your chances of hitting the ball—in other words, try different types of writing. Each genre will hone your writing skills in a different way, keep you from falling into a rut, and make you more aware of different aspects of those magical, illusive things called words.

Some writing may depends on your stage in life–only now I’ve had the courage for poetry. Poetry had always been too mysterious, an unreachable niche until I asked myself what I had to lose by trying.

Quotations provide inspiration as well as give that special touch to your writing and conversation. Copying them in your own hand or typing them is an excellent way to appreciate and acquire the unique taste of master stylists. Start your own collection and use them often. Have them on hand when you need them—the more they become a part of you, the more likely you will use them naturally.

Anaïs Nin observed, “It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it.” Eggs take time to hatch—brooding is a process that can’t be hurried and fortunately, we can do several eggs at a time.

Another tip regarding time is putting your work aside before sending it out no matter how hard it is waiting. Seeing it with fresh eyes one month or better yet a year, and doing revision that you now see is needed, will determine its acceptance or rejection.