Goodreads asked A. Michael Schwarz:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

A. Michael Schwarz Write! Read! Write, read, write, read, read books on writing, write, read, write, read. Think of yourself a a musician and your craft as the instrument you play, now practice. As in write new stuff, not editing and re-writing your old stuff all the time. You learn writing in stages, little by little if you practice your craft and learn from others who have succeeded. But only use the advice from others if it helps you, otherwise toss it. That which helps you write more and better is good. That which cripples your forward progress is bad. Don't think too hard, create. Creating is higher than thinking. We all try to puzzle out our plots and nitty gritty, but don't forget to let go and trust your process. The only difference between you and the other guy is that you have the courage to do it.

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