Goodreads asked Robin Patchen:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Robin Patchen Start writing, but while you're writing, also read books that'll help you be a better writer. If you write fiction, check out books on story structure (Plot & Structure is excellent). Check out books on creating excellent characters and great plots--everything by Donald Maass is great. I have coauthored a book called 5 Editors Tackle the 12 fatal flaws of Fiction writing. It's had great reviews. Also, read great books, both within the genre you want to write and outside of it. But don't just read, read and study. See what you like and what you don't. See if you can emulate style. Finally, try to get to a writers conference. They're great places to connect with other writers and learn.

flag