The biggest piece of advice she gives isn’t so much advice as observation:
I am sure we can find the exception that proves the rule, but every writer I know who has been successful…has worked immensely hard, turned or churned out a lot of pages in the journey through apprenticeship toward some level of mastery, and kept writing despite setbacks, rejection, cold feet, and those soul-sucking periods of doubt.
I’ve come across a certain quote in various forms, whether at conferences, online forums, agent panels, or wherever. It isn’t meant to discourage in a mean and nasty way, nor is it someone’s attempt to lessen competition on the field. It’s the saying that “If you can quit writing, do so.” In other words, if you are writing just for the kicks, the fame, the money, or whatever, then it’s not going to be worth it, because real writing requires a lot of sweat spilled on the page. However, if you are willing to put in that effort, stick your butt in the chair and stubbornly keep trying to better your writing, revise and work those ideas through to the end, then nothing, not even failure, will keep you from being a writer.
Check out the rest of her article for some other great pointers, including thoughts on various types of writing careers available to you, and short, medium, and long-term strategies on getting your stories written. Take writing seriously, but at the same time, don’t forget to enjoy the whole process, because it can be a lot of fun, alongside the struggle. At least, I know I’ve found both along the way.
I see that smile.