Do you aspire to be a writer one day? I mean a real writer. More than a writer even, but an author. You know what I’m talking about, right? Do you want to be that guy? The household name who’s fame isn’t measured in television appearances or celebrity endorsements yet it’s a fame that will endure long after many others have burned themselves out.

Think in terms of John Steinbeck (Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath) and then consider Lauren Bacall (The Big Sleep). Now tell me, of those two who are you more likely to have heard of? Allow me, every kid by the time they are in 8th grade has read something by Steinbeck. Any bets to how many have watched anything with Bacall in it by the time they are in 8th grade? I’m willing to bet not many. That’s enduring fame. And with the help of several well known, dare I say famous authors, I’m going to help you do the same.

Tip 1: Make your point (Stephen King)

Stephen King admonishes us in his book “On Writing” not to make our reader wait around while we drivel on and on with a back story. Get to what needs to be said and say it. You can always flesh it out with a backstory afterwards!

Tip 2: Tell the damn story (Tom Clancy)

In the January of 2001 issue of Writers Digest Clancy advised readers to be persistent and not get themselves caught up in committing art. Just tell the damn story you want told because no one else will.

Tip 3: Designate time (Clive Barker)

Horror darling Clive Barker advises to set aside a specific portion of time each day dedicated to writing. From my own personal experience that takes a real level of dedication. Especially when it comes to family and friends as they often times just don’t get it. By that I mean they see it as your free time and not “work” time and they expect you to be available to them during your writing time. So designate it and set it in stone that you write during that time and are NOT to be disturbed (except for emergencies of course)

Tip 4: Stretch yourself(Me)

Don’t be afraid to write outside of your comfort zone. If you write about making money with stock trading try writing something new. Like city gardening or whatever. Point is that you should endeavor to write about things which put you under pressure and make you “think on your feet”. I once heard you should spend 5% of your time writing in your comfort zone. The rest you should be stretching yourself. I try to take that advise to heart.

What about you? What kind of writing tips do you have for us?