Sarah Smith
Read a lot (especially in the genre you want to break into) and write a lot. Join a writing community (in person or online) so you can bounce ideas off of others and get feedback on your writing. Writing is such a solitary, isolating activity. It's so easy to get lost in your own head. Interacting with others not only helps you write better, but is also good for your mentality.
And don't be afraid of critique or feedback. Yes, it sucks when someone points out weaknesses in your writing or story, but it also helps you become a better writer. Just let that negative feeling that initially hits when you read critical feedback wash over you, take a breath, and figure out how you'll address the problem. And if someone is just being mean, not helpful in their critique, ignore them. They're just a sh*tty person, and that's their problem, not yours.
And don't be afraid of critique or feedback. Yes, it sucks when someone points out weaknesses in your writing or story, but it also helps you become a better writer. Just let that negative feeling that initially hits when you read critical feedback wash over you, take a breath, and figure out how you'll address the problem. And if someone is just being mean, not helpful in their critique, ignore them. They're just a sh*tty person, and that's their problem, not yours.
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