Goodreads asked Michael Augustyn:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Michael Augustyn I was told that to be a good writer I had to be a good reader. That's true up to a point. I believe what you really have to be is a good observer, whether "observing" books or just life as it is, paying close attention so you can write about it.
I laughed when I submitted to an agent who, like many agents, wanted to know what popular--best selling--books mine was like. I was told by a film maker that if it wasn't like any, that was a negative. Think about that. Maybe that's why we have how many films about Jason, Freddie, and Robin Hood? Or the Alamo. Be original. Don't worry if what you write will sell, if creative writing is your thing. It's like a comedian telling a joke. Either the audience gets it or they don't. Don't worry about it.

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