Before I became a teacher, I was a sports writer. Working for a newspaper taught me a lot about writing, especially dealing with the pressures of deadlines. I enjoyed the writing so much that I started writing fiction about 10 years ago, during my time off.

Although many teachers take summer jobs, I have always used my time for family, recreation and writing. This is how I was able to complete my first novel, The League.

I know many teachers who are excellent writers. They teach at colleges, tutor high school and university students, and some even publish articles. Few live their dream, though, of publishing a novel. I've never truly understood their reasons.

This is the best profession in the world for writers. The time off is plentiful, and if you don't have to take another job, there's nothing like winter break, spring break and summer vacation for research and writing. Hopefully, those of you who are teachers and have considered writing short stories, children's books or even the great American novel will take my advice and start writing on your next extended break.

Don't blame time on not realizing your dream. Quit your part-time job, sit down at your computer and bang out that story. It's probably inside your head, just waiting for you to let it spill out. If you're a teacher, use your summer to write. I did, and now I'm a published novelist.