It's a habit of daily meditation, surrounding myself with things I love, research when needed, or connecting deeply when it is personal. Waking up early to write during slumber hours, when inspiration is accessible, and my ego is not interfering. Sometimes, it is doing nothing, living life, and surrendering to the chaos, or staring into the void. But, the habit of writing every day at the same time has been the most important aspect. Don't wait to feel like it or have something to say.

Being present, mainly. I allow life to inspire me, and following my curiosity brings on fresh perspectives. Either I write about things I feel strongly about, or things that fascinate me, and seek to understand. Depending on the story, I seek things that bring more to the surface, be it music, people, places... My writing is character driven, as I believe it is the character that makes us care for what happens to them.

It means we are not showing up for the work. It is a fear based concept that we use to blame something "external and common" on our lack of commitment. Just holding pen to paper and setting the right atmosphere will bring you out of that mindset. The universe is too magical and it is up to us to go where our spirit is. Over there, creativity is abundant. Just get out of your way.

I haven't so far. I did get feedback with suggestions on how it could be better, or how I need to write about other topics. First, I consider the source and the intention of the source. People share subjectively. For example, someone who prefers novels, would tell me to write a novel instead of my nonfiction. Someone else would say i should stop writing about psychopaths and choose a happy topic. Others may just say that they can write a book too. The only feedback I take in is by someone who is an avid reader, a great thinker, or fellow writer, and who genuinely cares, and has no intention to sabotage my work. Those I respect most are the ones who got to read and offer feedback, and based on that, I see if I agree or resonate, and if they are right, I make the needed amends. If not, it is ok to thank them and they don't take it personally if I do what I think is best for the story.

The beginning of a new project. It is ground zero every time, as though it was my first. The consistency and the routine needed. I work best when I am pressured with a deadline. Otherwise, I can waste days and months. Self-motivation is truly necessary and a healthy lifestyle.

Since I was quite young. I would write involuntarily all the time, and got out of trouble because of my writing. Everyone knew it was my destiny. It is my calling, but I didn't accept it as such until I reached my 30's. I fought against it for decades.

Don't tell anyone you are writing a book or even to yourself. If you tell others, you will get overwhelmed by endless unsolicited advice and nagging when you will finish it. If you tell yourself, you will be overwhelmed by the massive task of finishing a book. Hold your pen, and say, I am just putting thoughts to paper.. zero pressure. Nonfiction: Once you know what it will be about, write your outline first. Through the outline, write all your subheadings, then fill in what you have to say. If you design your cover, even on Canva, you will be more motivated to finish it cos you cannot wait to share that. Fiction: Characters first. Know them, study them, and write everything about them so you know what they want, why they want it, and what will happen if they don't get it. You need to know their motivation, temperament, energy, history, dreams and fears, so you know how they would react or respond to any given situation. Then, work and rework your plot. Write your ending, then the beginning then the middle. Write then the full outline from there, and once done, start your scenes. Edit, edit, edit. Before you start, set a clear intention, commit to the same time every day. Soon enough, you will get obsessed and enjoy the puzzle.