To be a writer, you have to write. That’s all there is to it. You can’t spend all of your time watching TV, playing video games, or hanging out with friends. You have to write. And if you’re serious about it, you will write every time you have a chance to do it. There are way too many things that can get in your way. Even our own procrastination will get in our way. Sometimes, we just don’t feel like writing. We like to use the excuse of writer’s block. If you’re blocked on one story, work on another one.

Imagine someone claiming to be a guitarist who never actually plays the guitar. Or a basketball player who never goes out to shoot. To be something, whether a musician, athlete, or writer, you have to put in the work. There are no short cuts. I wrote A Dirge for the Malice by writing just a few pages by hand each night.

If you need someone to hold you accountable, find that someone. Let them motivate you. Let them tell you when you’re not doing all you can do. Join a local writers group, or find one online. Do whatever it takes; do whatever you need to make yourself successful.