Believe in yourself.

Read, read, read. Enough said.

Google your favorite author. Chances are he or she has a website that includes a bio and, sometimes, writing tips.

Start writing. Jot down notes, write a few sentences, create a scene in your mind and transfer it to paper.  Begin with whatever you want.  You don’t have to start at the beginning.  Many famous authors write the end, middle, or best scenes first.

Worry about the details later. Every writer has to do some research at some point, but don’t let surfing the web distract you from putting words onto paper (or screen).

Stay organized. Use multiple computer documents to create an outline, random scenes, character info, timeline, notes, and then the manuscript itself.  Save all of the documents that pertain to your writing in one main folder.  Some authors prefer to use a storyboard on cardstock or poster board, others use post-it notes.

Always have writing material at hand. The best inspiration always seems to come when least expected.  Keep a notebook in the car, by your bed, by the commode.  Keep a sheet of paper folded up in your wallet or purse.  Somehow, the pen or pencil is always easy to find—it’s the paper that’s more challenging to dig up on a whim.  If you have an iTouch or iPhone, use the Notepad app to jot notes, then email them to your computer.

Never read, write, or organize while operating a motor vehicle or other machinery. Trust me.

Believe in yourself. Can’t say it enough.