The Nike slogan "Just Do It!" is a great mentality to adopt when it comes to being an author. "I wanna write a book," you may say. That's great! But are you a writer?

All great authors are first and foremost writers. The best writers write daily. While sometimes daily is not an option for those of us with day jobs, make a point to write on a regular basis; at least once a week. Publish an article or blog at least once a month. The trademark of an excellent writer is the quality and consistency of their work. You will find these two trademarks are two peas in a pod; a package deal.

Do not fret if you have not been writing as much as you should. There are times and seasons when even the fastest pen must catch its breath due to life's circumstances. But if you want to become great, then don't settle for less.

No matter how long it has been, it's never too late to pick up that pen and begin again.

As a nonfiction author, I am aware of the fact that you can only write what you know. Reading books by some of my favorite authors such as Emily Giffin and Francine Rivers never ceases to amaze me. The way they are able to create books from scratch is a golden gift. However, these well known authors have spent countless hours revisiting their "book recipes," perfecting and remaking their work until they got it just right. The one thing that these authors have in common is that they write consistently, have a strong sense of self-determination, and belief in themselves.

You must first believe in yourself and your own dreams before anyone else will. 

The author world has become a fantastical place to find. Like the Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, it is a difficult place to enter. Even if you do manage to find a way in, if your pen cannot keep up with the pace of the Wizards, you run the risk of being labeled as a Hogwart. More than ever, you must be an expert writer to enter into and thrive in the author world.

If you want to become an author, you must first establish yourself as a writer. Traditional publishing houses seek writers who have already established their foundation as an author. They call it a "platform." Your talent will eventually shine through if you are extremely persistent in honing your writing skills through practice and perfecting your craft. Attend writers' conferences. Write blogs. Write books. I have one published book, but have written four. I strongly believe that not all books were meant to be published. Some we create for the betterment of our own selves.

Regardless, which author does not want to hit the jackpot, land an awesome publishing deal, and find themselves in the arms of a reputable traditional publishing house?

It takes grit to be an author, it really does. You must write as if you were training for the Olympics. Word by word, blog by blog, establish your platform. Believe in yourself and your potential to become a great author. Share your writing with others!