Craig's blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

We hope that the following article, which is an extract from our online creative writing course) may be informative and helpful to your e-zine
readers, or on your web site. If it helps others "out there" in any way, then we're happy.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."

Sharing Some Writing Tips: "A Simple Recipe* for Writing Success" (extracted from Online Creative Writing Course)

* That's a metaphor, btw

"It's easy being a writer... the hardest part is figuring how to make a living whilst one does so."

"I got sick and tired of waiting for writing success... so just carried on without it."

"Writing to me is like gasoline to an automobile, without it I would be immobilized."
Carla J. Curtis, The Inspirational Literary Entrepreneur

Here is a short article in the form of a bit of advice for
aspiring writers, which I hope may be helpful.

My advice for aspiring writers* is as follows...

* What's the definition of an aspiring writer? A waiter!

(Don't worry, I was one too... though I spilt more than was left in the glass; so no wonder I just had to carry on writing!

* Write something every day. Regularity (+ a touch of hilarity) and practice makes "purrfect".

* "Remember that getting published takes a great deal of commitment and hard work.

"It took me twenty long years of sweat and tears (no blood please, I'm very sqeamish) to become an overnight success."

- "a nony mouse"

* Learn patience. "Heaps!" Things move slowly in the world of publishing - usually far longer than initial promises.

"Lord, please give me patience, but I want it right NOW!"

* Treat writing as your career; so take it seriously.

* Learn everything you can about the writing "business" and the craft of writing... creatively, of course.

* Be open to criticism from your peers. Still far easier to
criticicise than create, eh? Incidentally, there has never been a monument built honouring a critic!

* Listen to your heart, your intuition, the "core of your being" (sounds "real airy-fairy stuff" that, craig!). Write what you love - not what the MARKET wants (unless you are desperate for purely financial rewards from your writing). That's not a "true writer", I believe!

* Join a writers' association and mix with other strange
"arty-farty, airy-fairy intellectual artistic/creative types".

* "Write as you talk yourself." - Maeve Binchy.

* Write as honestly as you can.

Writers help people to see the world differently - from the writer's perspective. I believe that the writer's obligation to readers is to instruct, entertain, or somehow extend one's perceptions of life.

"I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to. That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty. I feel responsible to tell stories that inspire readers to consider more deeply who they are."
- anon

My writing "journey" of my various books is my life journey: one of ideas, beliefs, values and so on - of growth as a person and a human 'bean', hopefully. And* I write to try to make some difference, a better world in my 'own little way'.

* Can I begin a sentence with the conjunctive (big word, eh!) 'And'?
Yes, 'cos it's your article, craig.

To end off, always remember,

* Make your story real. Be totally honest to the story that is being told.

* Writing is hard (and sustained) work - a writer has to work hard every day, even when one does not feel inspired. So I make sure I'm inspired at 6 or 7am (and sometimes earlier) each day.

* Small ideas become bigger, when you leave to your creative subconscious mind. Seek inspiration (from within and or externally from God, "the Ultimate Source") regularly.

* Revise your work constantly; but one has to "call a halt"
sometime.

* Strive for perfection, but accept excellence in your writing.

* Believe in yourself and in the quality of your work. You have something unique to offer the world: in the form of your creative imagination, together with the gift of sharing something of yourself.

Finally,

Remember that dreams can come true in your writing...
and in your life.

Happy writing and good luck*

Craig Lock (Eagle Productions Books)

* which is sometimes defined as where 'preparedness meets opportunity'

"The world would have you agree with its dismal dream of
limitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions."
- inspiring words from Alan Cohen

"Ï write, because I like to make things...and the only things I am good at making are with words."

- PJ O'Rourke

About the author:
Craig is a writer, who believes in (and loves) sharing information with a touch ("dash or two") of humour, as well as encouraging and helping others to find their talents and gifts, to strive for and accomplish their dreams in life - whatever they may be.

New Online Creative Writing Course: http://www.creativekiwis.com/course/index.html 15 entertaining lessons by a prolific writer. Learn the craft of writing creatively and have fun at the same time.

'Write Rite and be Published': All that I Know about Writing, How to Write Creatively'. This e-book is available at http://www.creativekiwis.com

The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are available at http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - mine!

What's the difference between a writer and a family pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of four!

Craig's blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

This article may be freely published

Don't worry about the world ending today...
as it's already tomorrow in little scenic and tranquil New Zealand