1. The poisonous words of the doubtful will ring true unless you prove them wrong.

When people have told me that I’m wasting my time attempting to be a writer, I tend to feel bummed out. I wonder if they’re right and whether I should put a stop to this craziness once and for all. But then night falls, and I realize I’m awake again and unable to shut off that part of my brain that loves to dream up stories.

So, instead of arguing with the ones who don’t believe I’ll amount to anything, or those who swear to me that the path I’ve chosen is a long and lonely one, I take comfort in the fact that at least I’ve made my choice. Writing for me is an act of the will. Every time I pick up my pen and write, I’m doing so because I see possibility in every word that flows from my mind onto the page.

2. Every person is called to a purpose that will make use of their innate gifts.

If you’ve ever thought to yourself that you have nothing to contribute to society, you’re wrong. The world is in desperate need of fresh perspectives from writers old and new. Before you resign yourself to failure, I hope you'll be reminded of the fact that no two people are alike, and it’s ok if you don’t fit into the same mold as those within your social circle. Part of what makes you unique is the very thing that people have long neglected to appreciate about you. If you can discover what that is through writing, you will burn brighter as an individual and become a true inspiration.

3. If you want to write, you’re an aspiring writer. If you write, you’re simply a writer.

These two seem to get mixed up quite often. People who dream of being writers are usually the ones still struggling to find their words. For those who work at writing every day, published or not, stop referring to yourself as aspiring writers. You're writers. Period. Just keep writing, and the only thing you’ll ever have to aspire to is improving your craft.

4. Writers who write often discover that they are not one dimensional.

If writing is your calling, then write. Write with passion and always from the heart. Your words don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to be alive. So, give a voice to the person deep inside wanting to be heard.

Once you’ve done all that, challenge yourself. Step outside your comfort zone. Write what you know and what you don’t. You’ll soon realize there are more sides to you that you didn't know about.

5. If writing makes you happy, why stop?

Someone said to me recently, “Sarah, just do what makes you happy.” It’s funny how we think we know this, and we feel irritated when we hear it over and over, but some of us may not hear it enough or not at all. If you’re someone who hasn’t been told this in a while, then allow me to be the one to say it to you. Please, please, please do what makes you happy!

If you ever feel a lack of support, do not despair. The only way a dream dies is if you kill it. So, cling to what inspires you. Be prepared to fight for the future you’ve envisioned. Never let anyone convince you that your writing goals aren’t worth pursuing. You have only one life. If writing makes you happy, do it for as long as you can.