Writing Advice

"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

The January 2010 issue of Writer's Digest has a feature article with writing advice from 90 bestselling authors. Although WD didn't ask my advice, I am inclined to give it. My advice to writers is this - if there is anything else you can do, then do it. Writing has as much going for it as factory assembly work. In fact, sometimes you may come out ahead at factory work assuming you get paid. Writing is physically demanding since sitting on your butt all day is hard on the body. The pay is lousy and the hours are atrocious.

However, every once in awhile there is a glorious sentence - words strung together like fine bead-work. They glow with such allure. Then I know I can't quit writing anymore than I can quit eating.

What is your writing advice?