Quality over quantity and all that, but if you can knock out five things a day from this list (you can, I usually accomplish at least a dozen every day), you'll build momentum and always have more to follow-up on.

Success begets success, it's true, and it's based on a solid plan and hard, consistent work.

Print this list. Pick five things you want to do for yourself everyday. Then go do them. Simple.

1. Read…

Novels, novellas, short stories, poems, essays, poetry, articles. Just as long as it's something you love, that inspires you, makes you feel, makes you think.

2. Write…

Same as with reading… write what moves you, what you love, what you hate, write about characters that inspire you and  scenes that make you feel alive, as if every second you get on Earth is precious.

3. Edit…

Hit big items first (overall story arc, character motivation, fact checking, etc), then hit the little stuff (spelling, grammar, syntax, etc).

4.  Critique…

Helping somebody else is fun and a good way to learn.

5. Handcopy a favorite writer to learn more…

It's slow going, but that's the point.  And it's well worth your time.

6. Research for your current project…

Just so you don't look lazy or stupid and can take more pride in the finished product, plus learn something in the process.

7. Thank someone…

There are always people we can thank. And those who have helped you like to hear it, just like you.

8. Send fan mail to the author of a book you just finished and loved…

You just got your money's worth, right? That's all a writer owes you. Let them know they did their job.

9. Query for interviews (you as interviewee)…

Interviews are fun and a good way to show who you are, what your work is all about, who your heroes are, what matters to you, and why you do this crazy gig.

10. Query for interviews (you as interviewer)…

I wouldn't suggest interviewing just anybody. Make it someone whose work has had a positive impact on your life, pick their brain, share it with the world.

11. Write a book review…

Wherever, on your blog, Goodreads, Amazon. Just be honest about what you liked and didn't like.

12. Let people in on what you're reading…

Goodreads is wonderful.

13. Share plans on your blog…

It's an opportunity to give other people ideas, have it out there in the world where people can hold you accountable.

14. Share news on your blog…

Your thirty-seven million tweets are gone in the blink of an eye.

15. Share pictures on your blog…

The last three are all a chance to share a part of yourself, your identity, your goals, your triumphs, who has helped you. Good times.

16.  Send queries to authors you admire asking if they'd consider reading and blurbing your work…

I just recently started doing this because I felt like my pride was getting in my way. I wanted the work to stand on its own, but had the realization that no one will ever be aware of it if they're not aware of me. I don't want to short change my publisher. No. Being invisible is a bad thing. I want to give it my all all across the board. Better for everybody: my publisher, me, people who dig my work and have supported me.

17. Follow-up…

There are always a ton of things to follow-up on and following up is super important.

18. Touch base with your publisher…

Besides making sure you're on the same page with your career's direction, it's just fun as hell to chat with your publisher on the phone! You get to bounce ideas off of them, learn from them what they've learned the hard way, and speak to a professional who has both of your interests at heart (unless you were an author at Dorchester, from what I hear.)

19. Work on your promotion plan…

Cut out what doesn't work and double up on what does. I'm going through this now, making a chart of what works best for me and what doesn't. It wouldn't be the same for everybody. Discover what works for you, then direct your energy there.

20. Answer fan mail…

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is hearing back from people. I mean, shit, we're doing it because we want to connect not because we expect to get rich. And hearing from some random stranger that you made their day better is bliss.

21. Work on the synopsis of your novel…

Yeah, that part sucks.

22. Read and approve a galley…

Oh! This part is a blast! I usually don't look at the story again until the publisher sends the galley, and normally I've written at least another couple books by then, so I get to read it nearly as a virgin reader. It's a very strange feeling, but wonderful.

23. Approve your book cover…

Another one of my favorite parts.

24. Work on jacket copy for your novel, novella or collection…

Meh. Like synopsis work, I don't find much fun in these, but they're useful I guess since they're a teaser to entice the reader to buy the book.

25. Brainstorm your next story…

Extremely fun. I look forward to this almost as much as the writing. It's like my pen touches paper and the whole story (character conflicts, pivotal moments, secrets, defeats) all jump out in vivid color.

26. Read your work aloud to practice for public readings…

This is something I'm going to incorporate more times each week.  If you're like me and you're super confident about your writing but not your speaking voice, I'm guessing it's an essential part to practice. And hopefully we'll get better with practice.

27. Research conventions to see which are the best investment for you...

Meeting readers is awesome. Signing books for them, having them ask you questions, seeing them hand over their hard-earned money so you can go spend it on Scotch and prostitutes, it's all thrilling.  Plus you can shake hands with your favorite writers and have them sign one of their books for you!

28. Live…

You're not going to ever be a great writer unless you allow yourself to live and feel. Emotions aren't a bad thing. They're part of being human. And they're the backbone of story, generated by conflict. Go live.

29. Write in your journal to discover experiences and emotions you can use in your fiction…

I do this pretty much every day. There are so many things from real life clinging to my work it's not funny. Kinda sad actually.

30. Take time to be still…

It's easy to get caught up in everything but I like to just relax, alone, even if it's only for a half hour before I start hitting the work again full force. It's important to give yourself a break and drop all the pressure and expectations that you and other people put on you. Go sit on your bed, eat ice cream, listen to the silence and your calm inner voice.

31. Deconstruct something you like…

I do it with old Twilight Zone episodes. I take notes on how characters and situations are introduced, what leads to the first doorway where things will never be the same again for the protagonist, the how, when, why, what leads to the second doorway and how the climax has grown organically from everything that came before it. It's a good way to learn structure, how to put skin on it, how to have more confidence in your own work.

32. Design your business cards…

My brother-in-law just made me some. Thanks Dale! Figure they'll be good to hand out at book fairs and conventions, to tuck away in copies of books by my favorite writers and slip in ladies bras at the bar.

33. Backup your work…

Good idea to do it every day, but at least every Sunday.

34. Meet with other writers…

At the library, over the phone, on Skype. To support, to be supported, to share ideas and keep that flame of passion burning.

35. Decide if you're a quitter and if you should be…

Some people aren't writers, they're something else just looking for a creative outlet. I was that way. I started playing music and writing songs and playing in Detroit but it wasn't my calling. I don't have stage presence in person. But when I stumbled into writing fiction I found I had stage presence on the page. I just had to learn then. Easy. Writing may be your calling. Or it might not be. If it's not, don't sweat it. Just keep searching for the way you can express yourself.

36. Follow Guidelines…

You want to be a professional, follow the guidelines when you submit.

37. Share something you learned… 

That's what I just did. These things have helped me, especially doing at least five a day.  We've only got so much time and energy. Invest it wisely.