A couple of people in my writer’s group were discussing what they learned about their writing this year. Here’s my list.

- I learned that while non-fiction skills don’t translate to fiction, it’s not rocket science and I’m fully capable of doing it.

- I learned that having learned English in India and as a second language, there will always be differences (and sometimes mistakes) in the way I speak or write in the language, and that’s a strength not a weakness.

- I learned that my best work comes when I let loose and not care about what people will make of it.

- I learned that it’s not the million-dollar words, but the million-dollar thoughts that count.

- I learned that I use way too many commas, and killing one here and there won’t hurt.

- I learned that asking myself to choose between fiction and non-fiction is like asking myself to choose between my parents. Can’t do it.

- I learned that I’m not a writer who writes for the market, and I’m okay with that.

- I learned that despite what “successful writers” say, the market will always support writers who follow a voice and not a market guide.

- I learned that I feel successful not by how much I sell or how much I make, but how much I love the process of writing every time I sit down to do it.