​During many of my most recent interviews and author discussions, I have been asked what my best advice would be for an aspiring young author. I wanted to make a blog post for all of those who have been too far away to attend the Fire & Ice: The Elementals book tour. 

READ!
I have never met a writer who does not like to read, and I believe this is because the two passions are inseparable. You simply cannot be a very good writer if you never find the time to read the works of other authors. Reading is essential to developing your own creative talent and way of articulating words. My advice to you is this: read almost as much as you write, and write almost as much as you read. 

Carry a Notebook
It is always best to start your writing with a unique idea, but these ideas don't always arrive when you are sitting at your laptop. Inspiration can strike at any moment. I find that my best ideas come to me when I am least expecting it. Therefore, it is essential to have a notebook and pencil on hand at all times. However, I often use Notes on my iPod for the same purpose. 

Find Inspiration in Your Surroundings
When my mind is clouded in a terrible state of writer's block, I find my inspiration in everyday surroundings. You can connect with these ideas through a walk in the park or forest.
Music is also a fantastic way to discover writing inspiration. I have created my own Spotify playlists for Fire & Ice.

Make Time to Write
We often find our schedules too busy to take the time that we need to write; however, I believe that we should all make the time to write. Whether you find a moment in the early mornings or late afternoons, allow yourself a few hours to sit with a cup of tea and pencil in hand. A writer must prioritize the time that they spend working on their craft. 

Never Give Up
If you have always dreamed of finishing your first novel or becoming a published author, do not allow yourself to sit around and wait. Start writing! Take action! Stay focused and devoted to your creative project. Great things do not happen from doubt and uncertainty. If you truly want to devote your life to writing, pick up the pen and allow your words and ideas to escape through the ink. 

One of my favorite places to read and write has always been a local library. There are many days when I spend hours wandering between the peaceful and magical bookshelves. During my childhood, I would often leave the library with towering stacks of new novels. My reading addiction has only progressed since then.
As my book tour expands into the new year, I have been adding many libraries to the list of places that I will be visiting. Not all of the events have been posted on the page, but I will have them listed as soon as they are finalized. I would love to see each of you there! 

The Book Booth is one of my favorite little libraries in Upstate, New York. It was crafted from an old British phonebooth. If you are ever wandering through the Hudson Valley, I highly recommend visiting this wonderful gem! The Book Booth is a branch of the Clinton Community Library, which will be hosting an author event on January 21st for "Fire & Ice: The Elementals."

P.S: This blog post was named after one of my favorite songs, "Library Magic" by The Head and the Heart. 

Question of the Day: What is the name of your favorite library? Comment below!