A number of writers gathered (we really need our own collective noun. A library of writers? A script? An argument?) to each submit ten (or so) rules for writing fiction. Amid the humour (of which there's plenty), there are some real pointers to consider. Without  quoting both pages to you in full (which is tempting) a few highlights:

 You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality. This latter means: there's no free lunch. Writing is work. It's also gambling. You don't get a pension plan. Other people can help you a bit, but essentially you're on your own. Nobody is making you do this: you chose it, so don't whine. - Margaret Atwood.

Never worry about the commercial possibilities of a project. That stuff is for agents and editors to fret over – or not. Conversation with my American publisher. Me: "I'm writing a book so boring, of such limited commercial appeal, that if you publish it, it will probably cost you your job." Publisher: "That's exactly what makes me want to stay in my job." - Geoff Dyer.

 Style is the art of getting yourself out of the way, not putting yourself in it. - David Hare.

If you have a good story idea, don't assume it must form a prose narrative. It may work better as a play, a screenplay or a poem. Be flexible. - Hilary Mantel.

And of course, the wonderful wisdom of Philip Pullman: My main rule is to say no to things like this, which tempt me away from my proper work.

It's important to remember that writing is a very solitary existence, if you allow it to be. For your own sanity's sake, it's vital to have someone to reach out to, even if it's just an online writer's group (and there are enough of those around that you are not forgiven for claiming you can't find one.) While we need to protect and preserve the precious writing time we've carved out of the day, neglecting your own mental health and encouragement is just as harmful as never bothering to read other works, or perpetually editing your own. Little lists of honesty like this are warm reminders that even the authors who have Made It face exactly the same problems that we do.