BE PASSIONATE ...
   Write what you are enthusiastic about.
    Hook readers with universal experiences.
    Push the emotional stakes to the limit.
   Use the four psychological states – mad, bad, sad & glad.

BE PREPARED TO SHARE YOUR FEELINGS
   Don’t short-change the reader.
    Be open, share pain, joy and struggles.
    Make sure big scenes happen on-stage .

BE A BIG THINKER
   When plotting, think high concept.
   Aim for huge stakes with larger than life characters.
   Have as much as possible at stake.

BE THOROUGH
    Take readers inside a fascinating place, profession or time period.
   Research the details so they ring true.
   Filter them through the senses and emotions of your characters.

BE COMMITTED
   Set yourself regular writing goals and try to write every day if possible.
       Bryce Courtenay says writers need to apply “bum glue”

BE RESILIENT
   Believe in yourself and your talent especially in the face of rejection.
   Above all, never lose faith in your dreams!

Valerie Parv ©2004