Many of you write to me asking for advice about writing.

I think William Faulkner said it best. In accepting the 1950 Nobel Prize for Literature, he declared:

"The young man or woman writing today has forgotten the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself, which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat."

"He must learn them again. He must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid… It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past."

Here are some more thoughts of my own:

When I first began writing, my thoughts would get jumbled and I struggled to put down on paper what I wanted to say. I thought I could never get past the first page, but I kept trying. Eventually I reached out for help. With the encouragement of friends, I managed to commit to finish what I started.

Have you ever been to a museum and seen an art student with an easel copy a painting hanging on the wall? They do that in order to learn. The equivalent applies to writing. Take a book that moves you and actually copy your favorite parts. It will reveal much to you about what makes good writing. It's a great way to learn by experiencing how different writers write.

In addition, read your work aloud--to yourself and to others.

When you write, appeal to as many of the reader's senses as possible-visual images, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures.

Use dialog sparingly. Actions really do speak louder than words.

And above all, surround yourself with people who will give you confidence and build you up as a writer. Encouragement is so important.

Don't worry about being published or finding an agent. First, WRITE AND FINISH YOUR BOOK!

Also, if you are a young writer, check out this website:
http://www.thisispush.com/

And, if you are writing a book for teens or children, join:
http://www.scbwi.org

Have courage, be true to who you are, reach out for help, and follow your dreams!

Peace, Alex