We’ve all thought at one point that we would like to write a book. So let’s take some advice from the professionals. Here are six tips for success as a writer from the author of Stuck in Downward Dog and Love Struck, Chantel Simmons.

What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to become an author?

1.Write, write, write. It sounds too simple to be true, but it is true. The theory is that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to be good at any given task, so the best way to become a better writer is to get in that practice time!

2.Make an outline. It’s so much easier to write the next chapter if you already know what’s going to happen! A lot of times I hear writers say, “But I don’t know what’s going to happen next.” If you don’t know before you start writing, how are you ever going to know? Writing the outline is hard work, but once it’s done, it allows you to write any chapter in the book, because you know that you’ve already decided you need it.

3.Writer’s block is just an excuse. If a scene isn’t working, get rid of the scene – there’s a good chance you don’t actually need it in the novel. And if you write the whole book and realize you do actually need the scene, well, you can always  go back and add it in later.

4.Write the whole novel. It’s rare that an agent would sign you without reading your whole book. They have to know that you can write the whole thing, and how the story ends so they can sell it.

5.Send in your very best work. You only get one chance to make a good first impression on an agent.

6.Being an author is a job, and you have to treat it like one. You don’t get a book written by getting pedicures or drinks with your friends. That’s what you do as a reward once you finish putting in your day’s work.

Inspired? Me too! Well, lucky for you Chantel also teaches workshops on How to Write Your First Book and How to Get Published.