Thanks for sharing your experiences! It's amazing how much of a difference a little encouragement from the ones we love can make, no?

I am still a youngin', only 21, and I've only gotten serious about writing in the last year although I have been dabbling since my teens. In terms of improving my writing, the main thing I make sure of is that I actually write. I try to make sure that I get at least a thousand words down on paper every week, more if I can.

I also review quite a bit - the long, in-depth variety - and I have found that the act of dissecting other peoples' writing improves my own by leaps and bounds.

I read a lot; I think that is the most important thing that any writer can do to improve. I am exploring different genres both in reading and writing, and I am just starting to explore the world of poetry.

And lastly, I am starting to submit my stories into small online ezines in the hopes that a few minor publishing accolades will help keep me motivated and also help me begin to build a resume. One of my short stories, 'Augie', was just accepted for publication in the Victorian Press, and that is my first success. Hopefully, I'll get a few more acceptances under my belt by year's end.

How do you improve your writing? What's helped you the most?

Ali