1. Don’t think. Our best ideas emerge as a spark or image. Like dreams, they make little sense.

2. Creativity is cyclical. You will not be creative all the time. Creativity has its own internal rhythms. Listen to yours.

3. Nothing kills creativity faster than criticism.  Good critiquing leaves you inspired, not deflated.

4. Spend time listening to your inner critic. By becoming aware of its foul jabber, you can challenge its roadblocks.

5. Being a creator is risky business. Learn to push ahead even when you are afraid. Learn to love the risk.

6. Don’t be afraid to fail. Every successful creator fails. Failure means you’ve uncovered a path that does not work.

7. Don’t be afraid to write garbage. “Garbage” writing is the rich, fertile ground that allows your work to grow.

8. Nurture your creativity. It is fragile as a budding flower.

9. Be passionate. Creativity is passionate. Passion is creative.

10. Learn your craft and write! The more you write, the better you get. Successful writers are disciplined writers.