Develop a work habit, begins John Updike’s advice to young writers. Give over an hour or two a day to writing, and set a quota for the number of words you will write per day.

Try to communicate your story to some ideal reader—a friend or a loved one. Don’t just think about getting into print and don’t be content to call yourself a “writer.”

Remember it’s not a sin to make money. Read what excites you and learn from it.

When it’s all put like that it seems simple, but the hard part is up to you.