Goodreads asked Graham Clews:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Graham Clews Learn how to handle disappointment well, because it's a rare exception not to experience it, often in abundance as a writer. However, if writing is important to you, then you'll ride it out. Other than
that, I'd say don't go to friends for help in critiquing your work. They won't tell you the truth. You've got to hire a good editor for that, and she/he will not only tell you where you're going wrong, they'll help you get around it if you have the talent to do so.

As for getting published, it's no different than trying to break into Hollywood. First and foremost, it's who you are and who you know. If you don't fit into either of those two categories, then buy a bunch of horseshoes, because it then takes a lot of luck. If you don't go 'Indie', then you can spend years and years collecting rejects for very good stuff. In a way, it can be like the lottery: you don't make it part of your retirement plans. Nonetheless, there are people who do get published, so perseverance runs a close second to talent.

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