I just finished listening to another great keynote speech at the UW-Madison Writers’ Institute. Dan Blank delivered an insightful and actionable speech via Skype yesterday on how to find an audience; and today, Hank Phillippi Ryan spoke on what she wished people would’ve told her about writing.

Here are my seven takeaways from her engaging and encouraging speech:

1. You can learn from experience, but it doesn’t have to be your experience.
2. There is no secret magic way to write a book. (Sorry.)
3. Learn to love being alone, but also be sure to get out. You write alone, but you are not alone. Watch people, even at the grocery store, and use what you see for good characterization. Go out and meet other writers.
4. Good editors are trying to make you a better you. (As an editor, I resonated with that one.)
5. Your subconscious will lead you. Listen to your inner voice. If something feels wrong in your story, change it.
6. There’s plenty of room for everyone to succeed. Be happy for your fellow writers.
7. No matter what happens after typing The End, I followed my dream. (I teared up at that one. So, so true.)

Stay tuned tomorrow when I’ll share what my favorite part of the conference was!

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