- Never edit on screen, always run out a paper copy and then edit. I don't know why but typos etc show up better when you are looking for them on paper. I've missed loads on screen in my time.
- Enter reputable writing magazine competitions. If you win or are shortlisted, it is something to add to your writing CV. If not, you can always rework the story and send it out elsewhere. It's a good way of ensuring you are creating something new regularly.
- Write when you can in the way that best suits you. I was annoyed when I read an interview once when an author claimed that if you can only write for an hour a day, that's no good, you've got to commit to more time. Now that's not always possible with family commitments and so on. You are far better off writing for half an hour a day but doing that daily (or near enough) than writing for three or four hours at a stretch once in a blue moon. The important thing is to write regularly.
- Always put work aside for a while before reading it again. You need to distance yourself a bit from what you've written to be able to judge it objectively.
- Blogging regularly helps exercise your writing muscles. You may even find, as I have, you suddenly discover a love for writing non-fiction. It doesn't stop you writing fiction, far from it. I've found the more widely I write, the more I want to write across that divide. As a result my fiction and non-fiction work is increasing. But I am loving it all!
- Above all enjoy writing, enjoy editing, enjoy trying to get work out there and so on. You need to enjoy as much of the writing process as possible to get the most from it and to cope with the bad days and weeks when all you seem to receive are rejections.
- Rejections are not personal. All they are saying is this work is not suitable for that publication. It doesn't stop you seeing if it can fit another publication and submitting the piece there if it is or could be.
- Pick up writing advice from reputable writing conferences, magazines and so on. One thing I love about writing is you don't stop learning. And that is good for the brain. Writing can be good for you (and that's ignoring the creative value).
- In the UK, join the Society of Authors as soon as you can. Every writer needs somewhere to turn to for advice and help.
- Accept you are playing the long game. It helps you cope with rejection better. Always be determined to improve on what you've done.
And toner cartridges etc always run out in the middle of a document! It really isn't just you that happens to!