Author's Note: This article was largely based on a most inspiring book by Natalie Goldberg (Publisher Shambhala-Boston and London, 1986). I wholeheartedly agree with Natalie's sentiments expressed in this work.

I think that there is no logical ABC way to becoming a writer. Different things work for different people. No one's wrong and right. Where to write? Write clearly and with great honesty.

READ AND TRUST. There is no security nor assurance that, because you wrote something good two months ago, you will do it again. Each time we begin, we wonder how we did it before. Each time is a new journey with no maps.

You may wish to handwrite, then type out your words on a computer. I sometimes use tools, like talking into a tape recorder.

Commit yourself to the time period for writing. You can then increase it. Keep your hand moving. Don't cross out. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation and grammar on your first draft. Lose control. Don't think. Don't get logical. Go for the jugular. If something comes up that is scary, just go for it—it is probably emotional. Incidentally, the word "inspiration" literally means breathing in God.

Remember: first thoughts have tremendous energy . . . so just GET THE WORDS DOWN and they will FLOW. Practice—writing is like running. The more you do it, the better and fitter you get. Practice whether you want to or not. Don't wait for inspiration—it WILL surely come. Feel free and write anything that comes into your head. Don't expect something "great" to "pop out" every time you sit down to write.

Simply, "peel away the layers of your consciousness, your heart." Continue to open and trust in your own voice, your intuition. Learn to trust yourself, your heart and not give in to the voice that wants to avoid writing. However, doing this takes continual practice and DISCPLINE (that "dreaded D-word")—to become an ingrained habit. Then write whatever is "running through" you. Write whatever's running through your veins, then keep practicing . . . like a "pro." (That's a simile, btw!)

Hemingway wrote about Michigan while living in Paris. I write about South Africa, whilst living in New Zealand (not that I can compare myself to the great American writer, though my dear mother, Hazel, calls me "Hemingway"—"rather over the top, biased and doting, my dear mom"). Have a list of topics to write about (don't end a sentence in a "preppie"—bad grammar, Craig). Jot them down (not the bad grammar). You can even notice material for writing in your daily life. Make a list:

Things like . . . the quality of light coming in through the window . . . or I remember when . . .

A visit to the laundromat
How you spend your morning
Streets that made an impression on you
Visualize a place you really love
My first memory, what is your first memory?
Describe a grandparent
Something you feel strongly about—a cause or mission
Leaving, divorce, your strong feelings after the death of a close friend, or the end of a relationship.
People you have loved (what a long list!)

Write about subjects like:

N.B: Write only for yourself and no one else. Do big salaries mean security anyway? Always remember that writing takes continual practice. I write not only to impart knowledge, but also to learn and inform myself at the same time.

However, writing is hard work. Simply let go. Trust your creative imagination, and it will work for you and take you where you need to go. Trust in WHAT you love, continue to do it, and your passion will take you down the path you always desired. You will eventually have a deep security in doing what you want—what you LOVE to do. Is it your destiny, perhaps?

TRUST your own mind and the amazing powers of your creative imagination at all times . . . then you WILL be inspired by "God within each one of us."