There is no magical trick to writing. Writing itself isn't hard. Persisting at it, completing a story, pursuing a career as a writer is. The distractions and self-doubt get in our way. It doesn't have to be that way. We are the architects of our own success. Our writing lives are our masterpiece designs. This book is a template, a starting point, for you to build the writing life you want. You will: Set a strong foundation before you begin Free your mind to dream the Big Dream Put the words on the page Avoid the Murky Middle Know what happens after "The End" In each section, you will anticipate the work ahead, prepare for the inevitable distractions and pitfalls, and develop the tools you need to overcome them and succeed.