Goodreads asked Marsha Hinds:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Marsha Hinds It depends what your goals are. If you write because you simply can't help it, because there's something inside you struggling to be set down on paper, because you feel you have a story that needs to be told, then by all means, strive for it. It will be long, tiring, thankless work. You will submit your beloved manuscript to various places only to be informed that it's "not quite what we're looking for" and face rejection at every turn.

Persevere nonetheless. J. K. Rowling's initial manuscript was rejected several times before her books were accepted and I'll bet that all of those people who turned her away are gnashing their teeth with rage and self-loathing at their mistake.

On the other hand, if you're in this for the fame, glory and money, just drop it. You're betting off starting a rock band.

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