As a writer you have to follow your own path to success but many writers experience some of the same woes. Here are twelve simple solutions that may ease you on your journey.

1. "I'm so busy. How do I find the time to write?" a writer might ask. Set aside a time to write. Take 20 minutes, a half hour or whatever you can manage to set aside. Look at it as you investing in yourself. Get into a routine, writing will become easier. Be persistent and consistent. Practice does make perfect. Develop good writing habits. It's one of the few times that you can deliberately develop a habit. It helps to set aside a special place for you to do your writing. Fill that space with things that will motivate you to get into the mood to write. I have a shelf that has many of my favorite childhood books on it. I get inspired by them.

Take advantage of your own body's natural rhythm. I find I write my best stuff between 10 pm and 4 am while a friend gets up early in the morning and writes while her kids are fast asleep. I could never do that. I am just not a morning person.

2. "What do I write about?" asks another aspiring writer. Find your niche. Most writers have something that they do well. Discover what it is that you do well and then do it. Some writers are better at picture books and some are better at writing young adult novels. Not that you can't stretch yourself as a writer but liking what you do will make writing easier. My way of stretching myself was to take on this project as well as trying to write greeting cards.

This article began as a whim when one of my critique group members said I should write down the things that I told them about their writing. Viola, the idea grew.

3. "What is of interest to potential readers?" Develop yourself as a person as well as a writer. The more interests you have, the more you'll have to write about. Use those interests in your writing. Write it down if you have seen something that makes you stop in your track. Even adult events can be so interesting that they can spark an idea for a children's story. You never know when your interest will be the basis for a story.

4. In my critique groups, one question that comes up is "Why did I ever think I could write?" I say...Believe in yourself. Be your own cheerleader. Tell yourself that you can do this on a daily basis. Say, "I am a writer!" I remember having to write sentences 100 times for something I did wrong as a child...believe me, I never did it again. The same principal applies to successful writing ....thinking positive beget a positive result. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

5. "I thought my story was perfect but my critique group/editor didn't? What went wrong?" a writer might question. Develop a thick skin. What each person prefers to read is unique. The saying "Different strokes for different folks" really does apply to the writing world and thank goodness for that. Give yourself a pat on the back for having the courage to put your writing out there. Another option could be to let a few days pass. Then, ask yourself a few questions. Do the group members have a relevant point? Did just one person make the suggestion? Or did several? Ask yourself an honest question. Can I improve my writing as a result of their suggestions? Only you can make those decisions.

6. "Am I ever going to get an acceptance?" is another woe a writer might experience. Learn to take criticisms with a grain of salt. Know that rejections are a part of writing. Competition can be stiff. If you are like the rest of us... you'll get one eventually...or maybe like me a lot more than one. Besides, a rejection can be a learning situation, especially if you get a handwritten note or a request to send more stories. It can point your in a new direction or encourage you to pursue the path you are already on.

7. "What was I thinking? How stupid was that story?" Learn to laugh at yourself. Sometimes it might be the only thing that keeps you sane in the crazy writing world. Remember it takes more energy and muscles to frown than it does to smile. Besides, laughing releases endorphins that make you feel better.

8. "My family tells me I'm a great writer but what do they know about writing?" Develop a good support system...besides your family. Find another writer to commiserate with or join a critique group. A good critique group will help hone your skills while lifting your spirits. I love all mine and wouldn't know what to do without them. Thanks to them...I continue to grow as a writer. A special thanks to Mel Leavey for all her support and help. You're the best.

9. "Nothing is happening! Should I quit?" Accept that you may want to quit at some time. Everyone had doubts. There may be days when you are not sure that you made the right choice. But you can't get rejected... if you don't take the chance to submit. The flip side is that there will be days that you soar amongst the clouds. My chance to soar came when Wee Ones Magazine published my first story, Christopher's Choice, in their July/August 2006 issue.

10. "How can I make my story my own and still incorporate suggestions given by others?" a writer might wonder. Put your story away for a few days and then take it back out. If you feel strongly about keeping your story intact, my suggestion is to ignore all suggestions and do what works for you as an individual. I often tell members of my critique groups that I bow to their ownership. Take what you need and ignore the rest.

11. "How do I write something fresh and new? Hasn't every subject already been covered?" In part that is true. Every subject under the sun has been written about...but you as a writer have your own special perspective which allows you to provide your own personal twist to the subject. You might have experiences that are truly unique or know something that most people don't know. Take advantage of that.

12. "Is there something else I can do?" asks another aspiring author. I thought long and hard about this question. There are so many things that a writer can do to increase their chances of success. My suggestion would be to read...read...and read some more.... whether it's a famous children's author, a cookbook or a newspaper.

But the best possible tip I could give ... would be for me to tell you to follow your heart and watch as your heart's desire comes true. Dare to dream...Writer write on.