You Have an Idea . . .Now What?

What I've learned...

Once the spark ignites and you know your story, or at least a part of your story, write, write, write!  Everyday!  Set aside a time when you are at your best--not exhausted or distracted.  I write as soon as I get home from work with a cup of frozen yogurt and a mug of green tea beside me:)

Add to your story everyday--even if it's just a little something.  If what you added was terrible, no worries.  If you are anything like me, you will edit it hundreds of times before anyone else reads it.

Think about your story when you're not in front of your computer. Jot down notes when ideas come to you.  I have pages of notes on my IPad's notebook.  On loose leaf paper. On anything I wouldn't forget the idea later.

Love your story.  Love your characters.  Want to spend time with them.  Miss them when you're not writing them.  If you don't love them, no one else will. I love Alex and Hayden.  They are my closest friends at this point.  I know what motivates them, I know what pushes their buttons.  I know them.

Read, a lot.  Reading different styles of writing not only motivates you to want to write better, but it also shows you what flows and what stops the flow of a story for you.  A lot of times with me, it makes me question if I have what it takes to publish my stories.  But I do not let it deter me.  I let it push me to be better.

(This information can also be found under About Self Publishing)