So last night I spoke to a class full of aspiring writers. Most of these people have just begun pursuing writing. This is a sensitive time in a writer's development. Right now it's all about getting over the fear of trying. Soon enough there's query letters and rejections and all the other worrisome aspects of trying to be a professional. Right now, it's all about fanning that little spark of excitement about putting words on a page.

I spoke for probably an hour. I tried to tell them things I ...