Mike Smith:
My guest today is noted author, speaker, professor, and writer in residence at Patrick Henry College, Dr. David Aikman. David, thank you for joining us today.

David Aikman:
Thank you for having me, Mike.

Mike:
David, as a best-selling author and former senior correspondent for Time magazine, you have a lot of experience writing. How can young writers develop really good writing habits?

David:
Well, I think one of the best ways to start is to read a lot. Read the great authors, particularly the nineteenth century English novelists, because that will teach you a rhythm of the English language.

The second thing: be observant about life. Take a notebook with you. Write down things that strike you as amusing or poignant or sad, and keep it in mind for a future story.

And the second thing is, if you want to write a book, the best way to do it is to keep track of your writing moments. That is to say, keep a log of when you start and when you finish and how many words you’ve done. That way, you’ll keep honest about how much you’re being productive, and how much you’re just thinking you’re bring productive.

Mike:
Thanks for that great advice, David! I look forward to hearing more from you on the next program about writing. Until then, I’m Mike Smith.