When my daughter began to play clarinet, most of notes she played were painfully off key. Soon notes were more or less correct, but melody was lacking as she took long pauses to place her fingers. As she practiced, she was able to play a few simple tunes, with only two or three notes, from memory. Now she can play more complex arrangements, she can read music and translate little squiggles and bars into counts and beats and twinkling notes, her fingers can find notes by touch and she is ready to perform to a small audience of family and friends. Someday, she may be able to perform to a larger audience.

If you have ever played a musical instrument, this probably sounds very familiar.

As a writer, have you taken this same approach to honing your skill? Have you learned fundamentals of grammar and language? Have you applied basics to practice writings: articles, essays, short stories, journaling, writing exercise? Have you read books, paying attention to pace of story, character development, integration of plots and subplots? Have you shared your writings with trusted family and friends, soliciting feedback?

No?

To be a successful writer, you must practice and hone your craft.

Please, don’t expect your audience to suffer through your learning curve. Write just for sake of writing. You’ll gain competence and confidence and when you decide to perform in front of an audience, of agents, publishers or readers, you’ll be ready.