As part of our ongoing mission to create a more diverse Jazz industry, we have been contacting publications, authors and journalists to ask if they would share their top tips and guidance to help new writers. We have been thrilled by the response and are very happy to publish some thoughts from the inspirational Angelika Beener

I love jazz because it is one of the most honest forms of expression there is. It requires honesty, intelligence, integrity and vulnerability. These essentials are needed in all facets of humanity. I love jazz because it's a blueprint for how we should operate in the world.

To jazz writers, my advice would be to come to the craft the same way a musician comes to their craft. It comes back to honesty. Let the music lead you, always. Writers can get caught up in lots of traps. And while pitches, and hooks and marketing have their place, when you sit down to write, let it come from a heart space. Even if you're doing a review or a critique... open the heart center. Because that's where you'll find your originality as a writer.

To the musicians out there, I know that now -- especially as we wade through the challenges of a pandemic -- things are tough. Not only are we faced with some big challenges, but there's no certain or clear-cut solution for us all just yet. Keep perfecting your craft. Make use of the time that the world has slowed down to get your practice regimen together; get a band together to rehearse with; stream performances online... hone your craft! Because things will indeed get moving again. And when they do, preparation will be important. So, make sure that you are working on your craft every single day!