It's experiences in life that give us something to write about, and since good fiction is applied tension, you'll have an arsenal of good material if life hasn't been peachy (and not a whole lot if it has). Wendelin Van Draanen More Quotes by Wendelin Van Draanen More Quotes From Wendelin Van Draanen Writing is work. It takes a lot of contemplation, concentration, and out-and-out sweat. People tend to romanticize it, that somehow your work appears by benefit of some mystical external force. In reality, to be a writer, you have to sit down and write. It's work, and often it's hard work. Wendelin Van Draanen you hard-work work people I've run my whole life - for more than exercise, for mental health. Wendelin Van Draanen mental-health health exercise life I believe in the paramount importance of entertainment, but I have something to say. Wendelin Van Draanen say i-believe entertainment believe You can't be preachy - kids are allergic to messages. Wendelin Van Draanen you allergic messages kids I rewrite my books many times before submitting them, and after my editor takes a look I wind up rewriting some more! It's a good thing I learned at an early age to keep on trying. Stick to it, and eventually you'll get there. Wendelin Van Draanen good look you age