What should be the main focus for someone starting out as an author: getting published or improving their writing skills?

Interesting question. I find that everyone gets motivated by different things; some writers need to focus on their big book release in order to sit down and write, while others swoon at the thought of doing the actual work.

You have to consider what gets you going. I get motivated by money - I’m a capitalist, come at me - so I imagine a big payday before I write anything. I also love the work of writing. The idea of sitting and rewriting alone in my office for a whole day appeals to me more than most, so I focus on skills.

However, The Snowflake Method of writing would encourage you to visualize your first customer buying a copy of your book before you write a single word. The idea is that you keep that person in mind throughout the writing process and write for him/her/them as you go. It also helps keep publishing in the forefront of your mind so you never forget that your book is a product you want to sell.

I would challenge you to think about what truly motivates you. Fame? Money? The chance to hide in your writing space and not emerge for three weeks? Let me know what you land on, I’m very curious.