If you are serious about becoming a writer and don’t know where to start, ask yourself these four questions:
1. Who are you writing for?
Are you writing for a readership of thousands, or for a small group of select people like family and friends?
2. Why do you want to become a writer?
Do you have a burning desire to tell a story, to become famous and make a truckload of money, or just to see your book in print, and prove to yourself you can actually write a book?
3. When do you plan to start?
If you wait for the kids to leave home, to retire, or when you clean out the spare bedroom and make an office, chances are the book will not get written. If you’re serious about writing, start now and write every day, even if for only fifteen minutes.
4. How much time do you spend reading?
Writers read—a lot! It’s the best practice for honing your writing skills.
Having a clear vision of what you want to write, why, and how you will accomplish it is important when you decide to search for an agent or publisher or self-publish.