I just did a Skype talk with writing students from the Department of English and Journalism at Western Illinois University. Their professor, Magdelyn Helwig, went to Brookland-Cayce High School (my alma mater!) and brought me into the class to discuss writing as a career. They asked some great questions, but I thought I’d pass along a piece of advice I gave them that really works in any career. Always carry a notebook! [Not The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (though I read it on a plane and cried so hard a flight attendant came over and asked me if I was okay.)] I mean get yourself a notebook to jot down ideas and things people say. I’ve carried a notebook since high school and find that it gives me power and is a great resource of endless ideas when I’m stuck. Try this: write down what someone says and you’ll see that they’ll want to know why you’re taking note… (and they’ll feel important.) Report back.
