Mike Spradlin: Hello HarperTeen FanLit Peeps

Michael P. Spradlin, devilishly handsome author here to pass along his A Number-One Top Secret writing tip.

I'm often asked when I speak or correspond with young writers: What's the number-one secret to being a good writer? My answer? I have absolutely no idea. There are no manuals, there is no right or wrong way to being a writer, and there is no secret Internet "You Can Be a Great Writer Too" download. (Okay, just to be clear: There are writing manuals, but most of them don't actually, like, help).

However, there are a few things that writers can do to improve their skills (read a lot, be observant, always keep your pencils sharp, etc.), but the most important of these things is to write. Good writing takes practice. If you want to become proficient at something what do you do…practice.

Suppose you're on the soccer team, but you're riding the pine. You really want to get that starting position. What do you do? Play more video games? Pants your little brother? Watch more TV? No. No I say! You practice. Run more laps, do more agility drills, dribble, tackle, and practice!

If you want to get to the next level on Halo 2, what do you do? Practice!

See a pattern?

Every author has a different approach. Some will tell you to write every day. Some might say to write only when the muse strikes. Others will say to always carry a litter bag in your car. Me, I say it doesn’t really matter when or how often you write, as long as you write.

Just like in soccer, some days the ball goes in the net, and some days it doesn't. Writing is the same. Some days it's good, others it's not. The important thing is to just keep at it.

So write. Write whenever you can as often as you can for as long as you can. Then write some more. When you think you're all done, keep writing!

And watch your writing improve!

Question: What is your approach to writing? How do you motivate yourself to practice your craft? I'd love to hear!

Mike Spradlin
Author of Spy Goddess, Book Two: To Hawaii, with Love