I have several friends who identify themselves as writers (I hope they'll still be friends now) yet they have very little actual writing experience. They view themselves as writers mainly as a hopeful vision for their futures. That's fine; it truly is. Whatever gets you through the day is a good thing.
But, if you honestly want to be a writer, you have to write. Just start--start right now, today--and begin telling your story.
You don't have to show your work to anyone. (That's the second—and hardest—part anyway; getting criticism and dealing with it properly.) For now, just start talking on paper. Ask yourself if the words say what you want, or if they subtly created a different impression than you wanted. Do it over again until it's right. Write every single day. Even if you get home late, even if you're tired, put something down. If you don't, it only gets harder.
There are so many great authors, so many great books about the craft; I think if I have anything special to offer it is this: I will be your private Champion. I hereby grant to you the Inner Champion's Motto: Get it down in writing, get it down, get it down, get it down. Use this to silence your Inner Critic (I know the guy, and by the way, he's a Royal Pain). Get out your motto. Use it like a mantra. Get it down, get it down, get it down...
I meant now, right now!
Jason Hightman
Author of The Saint of Dragons and Samurai
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