“Don't bury personal obsessions. Capitalize on them. ``The connection between personal obsession and the work you do is the most important thing.''

-- Be yourself. ``Singularity is what you need.''

-- Avoid self-censorship: ``We are very self-critical in a way that can be very destructive. In our culture there are voices in our head which have taught us to say, `Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you.' Don't ever think about anybody peering over your shoulder.''

-- Don't be afraid to show off, even if you think, ``I'm very close to making a complete fool of myself.''

-- Don't be afraid to entertain. ``I want to entertain. I don't want to lose people. I feel responsible as I write to give people the best time I can.''

-- ``Love your failures'' instead of beating yourself up over them.

-- ``Learn to love the process'' of writing.

-- Just do it. Barker likes something director Stanley Kubrick said: ``If you want to make a film, pick up a camera.”