10 secrets to great writing from bestselling authors

From Tom Wolfe to Danielle Steel—yes, Danielle Steel—here are some useful and inspiring tips from successful wordsmiths.

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Don’t you love it when your cousin says: “You write for your job? Oh, well, I love to write—haven’t you been reading my blog?”

Sure, Cousin Sarah might be a prolific blogger in her spare time, but her day job is pet grooming. Or was it working on an oil rig?

You, on the other hand, are a writer. Whether you’re churning out press releases, editing a company newsletter, penning articles, or blogging for your company or client, you make your living on words. Congratulations.

Don’t wait for inspiration—make it happen

“My advice is not to wait to be struck by an idea. If you’re a writer, you sit down and damn well decide to have an idea. That’s the way to get an idea.” -Andy Rooney

Writers need intestinal fortitude

“I’ve always had complete confidence in myself. When I was nothing, I had complete confidence. There were 10 guys in my writing class at Williams College who could write better than I. They didn’t have what I have, which is guts. I was dedicated to writing, and nothing could stop me.” -John Toland

Outlines!

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