I hope you have enjoyed the previous articles on the things I have learned since becoming a writer; this is the final part. 

31. Story trumps structure
Many experts and books on how to write a novel concentrate a lot on the structure but this could actually derail the story. It can be so tempting to follow the guidelines on structuring a novel to the letter, but it is so important that you pay close attention to the natural flow of the story too. Allow the artistic process to flow and do not let fear confine your writing or the story.  

32. Write out of love, not money
If you are a true writer to the core of your being, then monetary rewards and recognition from publication are secondary to the actual process of storytelling. A true writer who endures everything for their craft does so because they cannot be totally complete without writing. They do not chase any type of reward other than the understanding of the human mind and behaviour. They marvel at unravelling, piece by piece, the complexities of a great story. They enjoy nothing more than transforming a seed of an idea into a story that touches hearts. Writing is one of the most powerful tools available that can change how people view the world. This trumps any other reward on offer.

33. Discipline and belief are key
Without discipline there is nothing. Discipline comes before inspiration, lucky charms, a great view out of your window, and other writing rituals you have developed. The brutal reality is that the only thing that will sustain you through the rough times is discipline and belief. So, learn how to manage your time effectively, and be aware of the dreaded procrastination that kills achieving your goals.

34. Live like a writer every day
Whether you plot out a new story structure, develop the backstory for a new character or create a nail-biting scene, you must live and breathe the life of a writer. Writing daily really matters. You will grow as a writer, but more importantly, you will become more self-aware as a person. 

35. Don't wait to write
Do not wait until you have a profound message to share before you begin to write. You are living today, and you will never be able to capture the feeling of being a teenager or young adult again. The things that move you now will change as the years go by. You are on a journey of continuous development, so if you have something important to say, then say it now. As you get older, you may become wiser, but that won't make the ideas you had years before any more interesting. If you get stuck, there are always mentors and teachers out there to help you along the way. Your writing will evolve and change over time, but the ideas will never diminish because you are a writer by nature. So, rather than worry about whether you are going to make a full-time career out of writing just enjoy the fact that writing makes you happy.

36. Write with passion
Only write the types of books that fill you with passion. Find your unique writing style and ideas that fill your heart, convictions and not anyone else's. It is important that you take on board feedback from publishers and agents and adjust your novel accordingly, as long as you keep a sense of your integrity and values. You should be 100% committed to the idea of your book because when the rough times appear, which they will, it will be your passion for the subject that will keep you going; 90% is not enough.

37. Become a meticulous self-editor
Before you submit your work to any agent or publisher ensure you are satisfied with every word. Learn to be a ferocious and aggressive editor. Ensure every scene and sentence mean something to the plot. If it doesn't move the plot forward then discard it.