6 dos (and a don't) for kickass writing

It's been a long road from that deciding moment when I decided that I just had to have a book with my name on its cover. I started with little short stories in elementary school in the US.

Reading my stories out to my classmates and teachers gave me a high that no other school activity ever did. Thankfully, my parents were not focused on making me an engineer or doctor or lawyer, so I continued working towards my dream of being an author.

Writers aspiring to be book authors email me often to ask how to get their first book out there. Here's what I have to say.

1) Read your eyes out: You can't be a successful writer or an author if you don't make reading a part of your regular schedule. Don't just read in your own genre, but check out all kinds of books. You'll learn a lot about writing styles, language, scenes, and much more.

2) Write regularly: I'm not a fan of the popular advice that you have to write every day. It's hard when you are not a full-time writer and have other aspects of life to balance - like a job, family and sleep. So the best thing is to make writing a regular part of your week if not day. For instance, I started with a couple of hours every Sunday afternoon.

3) Never compare yourself: Comparison can kill. Some authors have been published in their 20s while others have had to wait till their 40s or 50s. The truth is that we all have our own path to follow and you can't hurry things. That means that you need to keep calm and write instead of biting your nails off wondering why Author X and Author Y have so many books out already while you have none.

4) Exercise daily: Being fit has health benefits. It also increases productivity. I make it a point to go to the gym or take long walks every day. Staying stuck at your desk or in one room can clog your mind. In other words, you need to let your thoughts flow well in your mind before you get them on paper. Exercise makes you feel good. When you feel bad, your writing usually suffers.

Also read: O to live again: Writer Mahasweta Devi in her own words

5) Keep a notebook: I love notebooks. They can be of all sizes and colours. Don't leave your home without one. And a pen, of course. Ideas can hit you anytime and you don't want to regret forgetting a good idea. Keep one by your pillow too because writers are famous for getting their best ideas when they should be sleeping. Overactive minds indeed.

6) Network online and offline: A lot of authors are introverts. Solitude can be addictive. Unfortunately, you can't get your writing out to an audience unless you interact with people. That includes potential readers, publishers and agents. Use social media well without annoying people. Post links to your writing and reach out to the right people in a courteous way. Attend book events in your city.

7) Be patient: My favourite aunt had named me Miss Ekkhuni. In Bengali, that means Miss Right Now. I needed everything done immediately. Whether it was buying something or reading something or writing something. But the publishing industry has changed that trait in me. I've spent years waiting for the approval of a manuscript. I've waiting months and more than a year for a book to be printed. You get it. Don't waste time. Keep writing while you wait.