Some sage words of advice. Thank you.

Biggest mistake without a doubt is discipline. Not discipline to sit down and write. Discipline to organize the filing and research gathering of writings and all things related to writing. With twenty completed novels 11 published the others all edited, my mental and technical work surfaces are a cross between a Rorschach test and a Jackson Pollock painting. It sends my kids into hysterics. "For God sake clean it up, Dad!" I've tried filing and systems, but I spiral down into a drooling blithering mass of despondency.

All writers should be taught to organize their minds and work site before trying to present anything from such a heinous place.

Some gems in your article, Ms Lou.