Advice to aspiring authors from James Morrison

I had the pleasure of interviewing acclaimed jazz musician James Morrison this week for an upcoming article. James - who has toured with greats like Ray Charles and BB King - is undoubtedly Australia's most famous trumpet player.

This year, he added another string to his bow (note to his trumpet?) and became an author. His autobiography, Blowing My Own Trumpet, was released in August 2006.

I asked James if he could share his advice for aspiring authors who want to write a book. I love what he had to say!

Here's James's advice:

"This is going to sound glib but it's not meant to be. My advice to aspiring authors is to ... write a book.

"So many people who want to be an author say they are waiting for the right opportunity - but they haven't actually written anything.

"So just do it. If you want to write a book, don't wait for a publishing deal or 'the right moment'. Or think you'll do it when you finish paying off the house. Just write the book.

"If you're going to be an author, once you've written the book, then you ARE an author. You could be amazed by what might happen if you actually write it. Because I don't reckon much will happen until you do!"