Goodreads asked Lisa Wingate:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Lisa Wingate Write because you love it. I know everyone says that, but it’s true. If you really want to work toward publication, set a manageable daily page quota, or daily writing hours, and hold yourself to it. One of the hardest things about writing is holding yourself accountable for finishing a project.

Finish your novel. It’s almost impossible to sell a partial if you’re unpublished. Polish it and send it out, because as much as we’d like them to, editors won’t come looking in your desk drawer. While you’re waiting for news, write another book. If the first one sells, you’ll be set for a two-book deal. If the first one doesn’t sell, you will have eggs in another basket. Be tenacious, be a thick-skinned as possible, keep writing while you wait for news.

Don’t be afraid to edit, but don’t spend all your time perfecting and re-perfecting a few chapters. A whole manuscript that needs work is better than a couple perfect chapters, any day.

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