From Sonya Sones

The oh-so-talented verse novelist Sonya Sones writes:

Get something, anything down on paper. Don't worry about how good it is. You can make it wonderful later on - when you revise it.

From Julie Williams

Lucious poet Julie writes:





Since getting a story from first ideas to a published book is such a long-haul process, it helps me when I remember to CELEBRATE EVERYTHING along the way!

From Edward Necarsulmer

Heading up McIntosh & Otis' children's division, amazing agent Edward Necarsulmer writes:



When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it -- don't back down and don't give up -- then you're going to mystify a lot of folks. - Bob Dylan.

From Michael Bourret

Dystel & Goderich's Super Agent Michael Bourret writes:



Find joy and fulfillment in the act of writing itself -- being published is the icing on the cake.

From Judy Enderle

Judy, prolific writer, mentor, SCBWI board member and mentor to many, writes:





Being a writer is like an elevator ride. It has a lot of ups and downs, but when you step out of that little box that's your office, with a book in hand, you know all the highs and lows have been worth it.

From Steven Malk

Super agent from Writer's House, Steven Malk, writes:



Slow down and be patient. Remember that you're building a career.

From Krista Marino

Delacorte Senior Editor and wonderful mentor to SCBWI members Krista Marino writes:



Your first sentence doesn't have to be the first sentence you actually write.

From Chris Demarest

From fabulously talented artist and illustrator Chris Demarest:



Learning to take criticism is as much a part of success as one's writing or art. Unless of course they're wrong.

From Rosemary Brosnan

HarperCollins' fun Executive Editor writes:



Keep writing! Some of the best writers have five novels put away "in the drawer" -- and it's the sixth one that works.

From Lisa Yee

Amazing writer and chocoholic Lisa Yee writes:



Always keep chocolate within reach while you are writing. You never know when you'll need it.