Understanding the who, what, when and where and how of writing.  I briefly touched on one of these under the letter Q (for Query), but let's expand the view.  Why?  Because if you don't understand certain basics of writing (these are just a few of my own favorites), you may as well choose another passion to pursue.  I understand knitting is very popular these days.  While some of these may seem obvious, consider them good building blocks for your budding writing career.   

Who - Who are your target readers?  Toddlers?  Middle grade kids?  Teens?  Adults?  Once you lock down who you're writing for, make sure you know the basics for that group...things like word counts, illustration guidelines (as in, who does them), suitable verbiage and so on.  Yes, there are guidelines for each reading group and you need to meet them or you may be forcing a round peg into a square hole.    

What - What publisher/agent/reviewer/blogger is accepting (i.e. looking for) my genre?  This is VERY important, as in it will save you time and money.  The worst thing you can do is send your query or manuscript to the wrong person.  You waste their time and yours...and since the Post Office doesn't ship for free, you waste your hard earned money.  My favorite online site is writersmarket.com, an excellent resource for finding the publisher who is looking for your exact material.  You can also do a web search for agents, reviewers and bloggers who prefer your genre.  Note: reviewers get swamped with books so don't be shocked if they decline you. 

When - When do I write?  I hear people complain about not having time to write.  Really?  Writing is no different than golfing...or fishing...or painting...or anything you're passionate about.  If you want to be a writer...REALLY want to be a writer...you'll make time.  But it's crucial that you know your own creative self.   When am I inspired?  When am I energized?  By the same token, when am I drained?  When are my words just not good enough.  Or really bad?   Hint: the more you work at it, the more obvious it becomes.  Personally, my most creative time is first thing in the morning...and...oddly enough, around 9:30 at night.  Know when it's time.  Know when it's not.  By doing that, you'll gain a world of confidence which will be reflected in your writing. Do this and the dreaded "writer's block" will be a non factor.     

Where - Where do I write?  Stephen King did a great piece on this in his [best] book, On Writing.  Whether it's the attic, the basement, the study, the kitchen counter or the back seat of the family station wagon, make it a sacred place.  Set up rules with your partner, spouse, and kids.  For example, when the door is closed...You. Will. Not. Open. It.   Tapping into your creative genius is no good if you're constantly bombarded with questions, phone calls, and teenage disputes.  You're a writer and people need to respect you, your space, and your time.  This is non-negotiable.  Or in the vernacular of the Borg..."resistance is futile." 

How - How can I improve as a writer?  So many answers, so little time.  First off, keep writing.  Keep editing.  Like anything, the more you do it the better you'll get.  Be sure to share your work, but ONLY with people who are suited for your genre.  In other words, don't give your fiction story to a non-fiction reader (yup...did that...what a mistake).  Don't give your romance novel to a war history buff.  I promise you, you WON'T like what they have to say.  In fact, their suggestions will probably be ludicrous.  Not probably...definitely!  But you must get outside opinions...and NOT friends and family. They'll tell you how wonderful your work is because they won't want to snuff out your dream, despite how fervently you demand that they level with you. 

Hint: they won't. 

Find a trusted "first reader" who will tell you exactly what you need to hear.  Someone you trust, someone you won't hate for being honest, because...hey...maybe it really does stink.  Someone has to tell you.  In the end, it will only make you a better writer.  Let me repeat that.  It-will-only-make-you-a-better-writer.   

Read.  Read lots.  Read lots and lots.  If you want to be a writer, see what other writers are writing. Some of it you'll like, some of it you'll hate, but either way it will help you find YOUR voice.   And find your voice you must. 

Most important...don't quit.   If you have a story to tell, keep at it until you get it right.  In this wonderfully immense and diverse world we live in, you can bet there are others who will want to hear it.   Maybe many others who want to hear it.  And when you find people who read your work and it touches them, you'll experience a feeling like no other.  You can have your Powerball and Publisher's Clearing House dreams.  I want to write words that touch lives and go far beyond my years.  They call that immortality.