Writing, like other forms of art, work or talent, requires discipline. It won't ever be enough that you say to yourself that you are a writer. Only when you write and write with discipline can you call yourself one. Before you can earn a black belt in karate, you have to dedicate yourself, practice and instill discipline in yourself to learn moves and techniques.

The same goes for writing. Don't just read books. Devour them. Ray Bradbury, author of Zen in Art of Writing, suggests books of essays, poetry, short stories, novels and even comic strips. Not only does he suggest that you read authors who write way you hope to write, but "also read those who do not think as you think or write as you want to write, and so be stimulated in directions you might not take for many years." He continues, "don't let snobbery of others prevent you from reading Kipling, say, while no one else is reading him."

Learn to differentiate between good writing and bad writing. Make time to write. Write even though you're in a bad mood. Put yourself in a routine. Integrate writing into your life. The goal is not to make writing dominate your life, but to make it fit in your life. Julia Cameron, in her book The Right to Write, sums it best: "Rather than being a private affair cordoned off from life as rest of world lives it, writing might profitably be seen as an activity best embedded in life, not divorced from it."

Believe that EVERYONE HAS A STORY -- including you.

Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a story is worthy by “pitching a story?” I have. I’m a baseball enthusiast, and it makes a lot of sense to me. When editor is at bat with you, he or she has a few swings to make before making a connection – through story idea (ball) that could end up being a base hit or a home run. Naturally, everyone wants to hit a home run when they go to bat with an editor. Sometimes publicists and writers do have to walk to first base for story assignment. Here are some helpful tips on how to pitch a story to an editor – and how to at least hit a single, double, or triple – if not a home run on occasion.

Use an Editor’s Time Productively Time spent on telephone with an editor is more like a gift from God. If you want to be successful at purveying a story idea, it’s best to have information you want to convey rehearsed, or in note written form prior to your call. Try not to spend more than 10 or 15 minutes speaking about your story idea. Always ask editor, “Is this a good time for you?” before beginning your pitch. Another great way to reach an editor is by a well-written e-mail pitch. In either case focus presentation or conversation on your story idea(s). If editor is interested, he or she may ask more questions. If not, editor should tell you.

Facts, Sources, Images The editor needs to be interested in theme of your story. A quick 2-3 sentence synopsis should offer an original focus or angle on a topic related to publication. For example, if I wanted to pitch to Ms. magazine, I’d want to have a feminist event, profile, or feature idea that would be appropriate. Identify potential research sources for your story, or elaborate upon contacts with experts in area, to let editor know you are capable of tackling subject. This expansion on your topic is key to keeping editor’s interest. Many magazine and newspaper editors will also ask you up front about availability of photographs to go with story. Be prepared answer this question with some viable suggestions for photos and a creative approach. By now you’ve sold story idea. So, don’t forget to ask about availability of a staff photographer from publication to assist with photos.