I’ve never published a novel of my own, so it’s intimidating to ask my students to write a novel under my tutelage. But since the answer to just about every question can now be found online, I decided this year to ask my students to search the web for writing advice from those most qualified to give it: published writers.

Much of the wisdom they found echoes what I will be teaching them in the next few weeks. Maybe my lessons will carry a bit more weight since the experts said it first!

• Don’t give up. Trust your journey.

• Editing matters. Write truth.

• Your story matters.

• Make it real; make it scary; and … cliffhangers.

• Make it human (but don’t let your mom read it).

• Also good: tension and snap.

• When you get discouraged, remember: the world needs your novel!

What advice do YOU have for my #WriMos?