Novelist Nicole Bokat, whose first novel Redeeming Eve was widely praised by outlets from Publisher's Weekly to Kirkus, says, "The best advice I learned -- not from any one person, but from years of experience (it's included in one of my lectures for my online novel writing class)-- is: Stop waiting for the world to nudge you along. That includes your supportive spouse, fantastic friends or encouraging writing teachers. The world will not comply. No agent, editor, or publisher will come knocking at your door. You need to develop a self-imposed discipline that becomes a lifelong habit, so that you write regardless of your mood, lack of inspiration, or any of the obstacles that life inevitably will put in your way."

Click here to check out novel writing courses with Nicole.

-Taffy Brodesser-Akner