Believe in yourself. You must believe you can do it, whether it’s authoring a book, writing an article for the local paper, or simply creating a humble memoir for family members. It’s called self-confidence, and I think it’s the most important tool in a writer’s toolbox.

Push yourself to improve. Take some writing classes, read a half-dozen books on writing, attend some writers' conferences.

A good writer recognizes his weaknesses and works to master them. Writing, like life itself, is a continuous journey of self-improvement.

It’s never too late, or too early, to get started. The beauty of this avocation is that you can dive in whenever the spirit moves you.

You are not too old to begin writing as long as you’re still lucid. Writing exercises the mind, just like swimming or walking exercises the body, and that can be just as vital to one’s overall health.