The ABCs of the Writer's Life—26 Tips to Take Your Writing to the Next Level

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Ais for Abundance. Write out of the overflow. Feed your soul and you'll always have the words you need to sustain your calling.
Bis for Bravery. Don't shrink from the hard stuff, whether it's tough topics or just the courage to continue.
C is for Commonplace. Don't overlook the magic and beauty that surrounds you. It's the spaces between that often add depth and meaning to our words.Dis for the Details. Excellence is found in attention to every aspect of our craft.
E is for Encouragement. Use your words to encourage others along the way. Words have great power. Wield yours for good.
Fis for Finite. Our time here on earth is limited, don't waste time and energy on what might occur. Work to make your dream come true.
Gis for Gratitude. As frustrating as this love of words can be at times, it truly is a gift. Don't ever take it for granted.
His for Hilarity. Don't forget to take time to see the humor that crops up unexpectedly. Laugh at yourself, at the circumstances, and especially at those who irritate you.
Iis for . . . well . . . I. Don't neglect yourself. Take care of your body, your mind, and especially your soul.
J is for Jena se' qua. Which is French for that certain, indefinable quality that makes each of us special. Never doubt how incredibly special you are!
Kis for Keeping on. Don't ever quit, no matter what.
Lis for Lessons Learned. Sometimes the knowledge we have comes from our own experience, but often times it's gleaned from the experiences of those around us.
Mis for Muscles. Writing is hard work. Keep up a regular writing schedule to stay in shape and continue to grow in your craft.
Nis for No. Time to write comes only when we make the choice. Saying yes to writing means saying no to something else.
Ois for Only. Only you can write from your one-of-a-kind perspective. Yes,we all have shared experiences and circumstances, but those are filtered through each of us, making our voice unique.
Pis for Position. Ignore those behind you or you'll grow conceited, don't envy those in front or you'll grow discouraged. Instead look within and see the possibilities.
Qis for Quantity. Learn to write a certain amount every day, whether you find yourself in the mood or not. It's this discipline that will sustain you in the tough times to come.
Ris for Respect. Respect yourself for following your dream and being brave enough to say the words, "I am a writer."
Sis for Sadness. Embrace the full range of human emotions in your writing. A diet of nothing but sweetness and light cannot sustain anyone for very long.
Tis for Talent and Time. Talent will get you nowhere, but time can lead you into forever.
Uis for Unless. Unless you answer the call, your story may never be told.
Vis for Villain. Never underestimate the power of a good villain to make a hero great—in a story and in life.
Wis for What if. Two magical words that lead to an infinite world of possibilities through the pen of a writer. 
Xis for, Xylophone. Sometimes you have to hit it with a hammer to make the music heard.
Yis for Yes. Take a chance on success. Make it a habit to say yes to some of the scary opportunities that come your way.
Z is for Zigzag. I've found that as a writer, the most interesting path from point A to point B is rarely in a straight line. Almost all the good stuff is found in the detours.

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Sometimes taking your #writing to the next level means going back to the basics - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)