I was reading something today about Malcolm Gladwell’s new book about success (“Outliers”) and how it takes 10,000 hours of practice to get good at something. That translates to roughly seven years. (For instance, when Bill Gates was 22 and started Microsoft, he’d already had his seven years of practice because his parents had a computer and he had access to university computers in his town, when other people did not have the same opportunities.)

I just thought it was so interesting—and correct. There is such a thing as talent, but perseverance and practice by far are more important on the long, uphill climb.

What’s so great about writing is that you don’t need anything too expensive to become better at it: a pen, a paper, a computer (they are much cheaper now) and simply, time and dedication.

Of course, practice does not mean you will be successful, but I think it will bring you closer to your goal.

Come see me tomorrow night!

November 12, 2008 (7:00 PM)
Reading/Signing in Petaluma, CA!
Copperfield’s Books
140 Kentucky Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 762-0563

I’ll be discussing Revelations and Ligploss Jungle!

November 13, 2008 (7:00 PM)
Reading/Signing in Palo Alto, CA!
Books, Inc.
855 El Camino Real #74
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 321-0600

Not Your Mother’s Book Club is hosting me for a reading/signing for Revelations and Lipgloss Jungle! Other authors will include Elizabeth Scott and Ellen Hopkins! Yay!

xoxo
Mel