You gotta practice in order to become good at something

How do you get to Carnege Hall?
PRACTICE          PRACTICE          PRACTICE

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes about the 10,000 hour rule, which basically states that in order to become a successful professional it takes 10,000 hours of practice. He uses examples, like how The Beatles played in Hamburg non-stop for two years honing their skill before they even recorded their first track.

So the best advice anyone can give to any young person, no matter what their pursuit: 

PUT IN THE WORK!

I'm approaching the 10,000 hours.  

How about YOU?

Notes from a Children's Book Editor

Every so often I'll post a link to various blogs that I think are especially good. One of them is Editorial Anonymous, the blog of a working Children's Book Editor. She usually posts about once a week and each message is dead on for people writing in this field. Click on her name to reach this week's message. Also -- Note what Rachel Stark says in the comment field about writers needing to practice their craft just like concert pianists do.

Or, as I remember Jane Yolen saying at a reading in New York City -- "How do you get to Carnege Hall? Practice. Practice. Practice."
-wendie Old