Goodreads asked H.A. Callum:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

H.A. Callum What will set you apart from the crowd is actually writing. Sounds silly, right? It’s easy to get distracted, and writing is such a solitary pursuit that we alone are left to hold ourselves accountable to getting words down on the page. My first piece of advice: set aside dedicated time to write every day. Tune out the distractions and write. Thirty minutes a day over a handful of months will generate enormous content: multiple short stories, plenty of poems, or even a large portion of a novel. It is possible if you are committed!

My second piece of advice ties in with the first. Writing is such a solitary pursuit that any aspiring writer should network. I would suggest finding a local writers group where you can get feedback on your work, learn a bit more about craft, and get the encouragement you need to continue. Misery loves company, and if writing is your favorite cup, you have to find a local writers group. You know what else? There’s always social media, too. But don’t let it distract you from your dedicated writing time. And feel free to find me on Twitter (@HA_Callum) or on Facebook (@theauthorcallum) – I’m always looking to connect with other writers and readers!

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