"The Monk" by Matthew Lewis. This young man wrote the most intense clash of good vs evil in the human soul, and as a writer of the agony of moral dilemmas and their consequences, I view his work as foundational.
Based on my constitution, mornings are set aside for writing. Creativity doesn't flow as freely for me in the afternoon or evening. Therefore, in an effort to preserve mornings, I had to lay some ground rules - the first one being that I stick to my own rule and don't procrastinate or chase after distractions. Secondly, I informed (gently) all family and close friends that I preferred to write in the mornings. Lastly, I chose to always allow certain exceptions based on my value of other persons. People first, writing second. I am never brash or impatient when someone does interrupt my writing time. I listen and respond appropriately, which can range from setting my writing aside for something crucial (at least to them) to promising to call back later when I finish what I am working on.
Although I still felt unworthy of being published, and afraid to deem myself a real author, that is when I began to grow into what a true writer is. I took it and myself more seriously, still making mistakes, but growing with them.
Accept that not everyone will understand or appreciate what you write, but be willing to listen to constructive advice. Reject criticism, for that is often a jab at you rather than help for your book. Always wear a thick skin...that protects you and others.
In my case, the presence of a story inside has always been there. Not just one story, but the seed and desire to write continuously, whether what I feel makes it to the page or not. I believe I was born a storyteller.
