“The number one thing you must do is write. You have to write, write, write and when you can’t write anymore, write  some more.” Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author

I’m sure that I’m not alone in feeling that I could conquer the world if only I had enough free time. Lack of time — it’s always a great excuse that everyone will buy into. After all, our society has become so focused on multitasking that it has invaded our private lives. Our cell phones are constantly buzzing not just with texts and calls, but with reminders to make cupcakes for Suzie’s class, pick up the dry-cleaning on the way home and drop the dog off at the groomer.

When is there time to stop and breathe, much less be creative?

This very topic is covered wonderfully in the Kelly L. Stone book “Time to Write.”

In it, Stone shares the successful work habits of 100 professional writers, including the likes of Sandra Brown, Wendy Corsi Staub, Ann Major, Catherine Coulter, and Julia London.

Not only is “Time to Write” full of great tips, it also is a very inspiring book.

From the first line: “The secret to becoming a successful writer is this: there is no secret,” Stone helps you identify a creative style and provides you with the tools to ease the process. As the book goes on, Stone coaches you as the process begins and turns cheerleader when the inevitable road blocks pop up — writer’s block, critics and rejection.

“This is the secret to writing: a tube of super glue. You apply the glue to the seat of your pants, and then apply your pants to the seat of the chair.” Lynne Alpern, comedy writer and author of “Oh Lord, I Sound Just Like Mama”

Note that I said “ease” the process. Writing isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task that you dread or you won’t stick with it. Writing can and should be a task that rewards your hard work with fulfillment, whether anyone else but you ever reads your prose. Writing should be something that ultimately makes you happy.

“…some people have real talent. And then there’s the rest of us, and the rest of us just work. It’s in our blood. We may not be the  best writers in the world, but we get it done. And that’s 50 percent of writing.” Jennifer Quasha, freelance writer and book author

I’ve read “Time to Write” cover to cover twice and loaned it to some writer friends. I often consult certain sections whenever I “fall off the wagon” and stop writing for a while. Stone’s book helps me get back on task when I hear my characters, abandoned months ago in the middle of an unfinished scene, calling to me.

If you are a writer or have thought about writing, I highly recommend Stone’s book. Though as one writer friend commented when I loaned her the book — “Now I just have to find time to read it!”

“You can’t worry about creating the masterpiece. It’ll paralyze you, thinking that every word has to be golden. It doesn’t work like that. You just keep going.” Vicki Cobb, freelance writer