The creative writing process is different for everyone. Some find themselves struck with inspiration and are able to finish piece after piece in no time. For others, it may not be as easy. There is not a wrong or right way to write, but these five pieces of advice may help you create your best work.

1. Just start

There is never going to be the "perfect" time to start writing. If you keep on waiting, will never start. Find some quiet time, sit down, and write.

2. Set apart some time every day to write

You don't need hours of free time. Even with the busiest schedule, you can find 10 minutes out of your day to do some writing. I once had a professor who shared a story that his friend would write while his students were taking tests or doing collaborative work. Little windows of time like that or perfect.

3. Quantity = quality

Well, not directly. This is NOT true if what you are doing is just banging out work you put no effort into. However, if you are consistently creating, even if you end up scrapping the piece, your skills as a writer will improve.

4. Write what you know

Writing based off of personal experience will always come out with more emotion. If you have a story to tell, start writing! If you don't feel like you have gone through something worth writing about, research is a great way to familiarize yourself with any topic. Read up!

5. Inspiration is different than plagiarism

In any way, shape, or form, copying another writer's work is never acceptable. That said, don't be afraid to take inspiration from some of your favorite writers and their stories. As long as the ideas and words you are writing are all yours, there is no law saying you can't draw inspiration from people you admire. All artists find their inspiration somewhere; don't be afraid to read and study other work to clear your head and to rid yourself of that writer's block. Just don't take ideas that aren't your own!