Becoming a writer has been a goal for the last ten years. After reading every middle grade novel I could get my hands on, stories starting popping into my head. At some point, I couldn't ignore them anymore, but I knew nothing about the process of creating a real live manuscript. I signed up for classes and got my masters in writing for children from Simmons, and by then, I was determined.

Here are a few tips for new or old writers:

1. Read as much as you can in the genre you want to write, and then in other genres too.

2. Get a critique group or partner who will give you honest feedback on what does not work in your manuscript.

3. Don't give up. There will be a lot of rejection along the way. Expect that. It's part of the process that everyone has to go through. All it takes it one yes.

4. Learn about writing from workshops, books, blogs, tiktok, wherever you hear authors talking about their craft.

5. Don't be afraid to write junk. The first draft is going to be awful. If you wait for the perfect chapter, the perfect sentence, or the perfect word, you will never write.