It's not just about writing

No one will get any writing done unless they sit down and write. And that is the bottom line. But take heed. It's not just about writing. Because if you think about it, anyone can write. But if you want anyone to appreciate your writing, you really have to write well.

And there are so many different ways to do that. You can take classes on it, you can read books about it, and you can dedicate your life to it. Like most things, the more you write, the better you get.

Which leads me to this next point. REVISING! The one thing I learned about writing that I think is the most important thing, is to REVISE, REVISE, REVISE, and keep on revising, don't stop.

Like I said, anyone can write. But not everyone can write well. Sure some people can put down an initial draft, and it might be pretty good, but it doesn't end there. Not if you want to be a real good writer. You have to reread what you wrote. You have to make it better. Improve the prose. It's got to have some rhythm. It has to flow. And it's the revising that makes it happen.

I've even found that revising has improved my storytelling, too. Whenever I reread my manuscripts, I always improve the prose. But I also have found great opportunities to improve the storyline, too. With both KILLER OF KILLERS and THE VASE. I've put in certain elements and subplots that improved the story dramatically during the revision stage.

So keep revising. Yeah, get that first draft down. But then the fun begins. REVISE!