Write your heart out

See what works and what doesn’t, and write daily. It usually takes more than a few sentences to get started, about 15 minutes of focused concentration is needed to gain momentum. That’s how long it takes for the brain to settle in and turn its attention to the task at hand.

The first draft is a map—it’s a way to get your bearings. After that, it’s time to trim the fat and make every word count.

Write what you care about, write what you love, and write fast. Don’t worry about the polish yet, and don’t wait for inspiration. No one is inspired to be a mother waking up at 2 a.m. to change a diaper. How great is that?

Pro Tip: Show up and write anyway.