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I woke smiling today, because I dreamed about writing.

Surfer, Morro Bay, CA. (Hadi Dadashian photo)

Pacific surfer, Morro Bay, CA. (Hadi Dadashian photo)

I’m sharing this because dreaming about writing is one of the best signs I have that my work is going well.

For me.

Not for editors.

Not for critics.

Not for prospective clients.

Most important, for me.

I write for income and I write for pleasure, and I’m most fortunate when the two mesh. I plan it that way: I rarely write something just for money.

Indeed, I’ve been unemployed for three years — despite so many applications, I’ve stopped counting — so almost any writing is a joy.

(Getting paid for writing, to me, is as exciting now as it was when I got my first cheque from a newspaper, at age 16. Maybe more exciting — being jobless has put a finer edge on things.)

I’m telling you all this because you asked when is the best time to write; do I keep a writing schedule; is there one part of the day that is more productive.

Yes and no/maybe/sometimes.

My private reply to you was this: Not sure. I just write and write and write.

On reflection, that was too flippant, so I’m going to use this blog to share my advice for other young writers.

I feel so fortunate to be able to write and to have time to write (unemployment has its blessings).

I’m grateful for every assignment I get from a newspaper or magazine or other client.

I’m grateful for the excuse to meet strangers and learn about their lives. I’ve always been energized by this, since I became a newspaper journalist at the age of 15.

Nothing in journalism — no amount of money or fame/notoriety or awards or public recognition — equals the joy of interviewing people and telling their stories.

TOMORROW: First, ask yourself why you’re writing

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