Jake Lukens asked Morgan Rhodes:

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to become an author?

Morgan Rhodes I have lots of advice for aspiring authors! First of all, read lots of books which serves many purposes but also shows you what you love to read, what author voice you connect to (be it literary or breezy and more commercial), what POV works for you (first person, third person, past or present). When I was aspiring, I took courses online through Writers Digest, but there are lots of places to learn more about writing. Follow writers on twitter, devour their websites where many authors will provide FAQs about writing. Read magazines about writing. Join writer message boards (such as the Absolute Write water cooler). Notice that i haven't said anything about actually writing yet! ;) Write down all your ideas or glimmers of potential scenes, characters, etc. Clip stuff that inspires you from magazines and newspapers or bookmark it online. And when you get an idea that really excites you, I would suggest writing down about twenty or so plot points to help you navigate your plot -- but that's because I'm a plotter. I know other accomplished authors who are pantsers (aka they "write by the seat of their pants" without knowing anything about their story except the beginning). The key is giving yourself time to find your process. Write for yourself first and think about "publishing" later. There are so many wonderful options now for writers -- big publishers, small pubs, self pub. But first you need to focus on that first book and getting it done and polished. Anyway, that is the short version! I wish you much success with your writing!! :)

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