10 commandments of writing

These are my own personal ten writing commandments of good writing practice, or alternatively, ten attributes I think a writer needs to be successful:

1. Perseverance: Write daily
2. Trust: Don’t wait for creativity, expect it
3. Prudence: Have the good sense to know when not to write. Forcing writing when you just can’t get into it will foster resentment and make the next session hard to start
4. Fairness: Don’t engage in self-flagellation for not writing
5. Sustainability: Finish the current project before moving on to a new one
6. Adventurousness: Try different genres, styles of writing etc
7. Initiative: Don’t wait to be praised and be original
8. Studiousness: Read daily – a writer is always absorbing and learning
9. Fastidiousness: Research everything.
10. Zeal: Do what makes your heart sing.