Goodreads asked Serina Hartwell:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Serina Hartwell Don't give up.
Don't hear the word no, or listen to those who tell you that you can't.
Be the best at your craft that you can be.
If you want to be serious about writing, you have to know how to do it, so be polished with your grammar and punctuation, because they do count.
Expand your vocabulary. Start using a thesaurus.
You don't have to be the best speller in the world, but you do have to know how to use a dictionary.
As you come up with ideas, write them down.
Write everyday, or at least do something towards the writing everyday.
Don't wait to be inspired or you'll never write anything. Sit at your computer and see what comes. The writing will be freer and so will your imagination and you'll eat that way.
Don't write expecting to write the world's leading literary breakthrough, because you most likely won't, just write for yourself and enjoy it.
Pleasing yourself is the biggest thing you have to do, because we are our own worst critics, so don't be too harsh on yourself.
Listen to/read all your critique, take on board what makes sense and is constructive, but remember that critique that isn't constructive is just someone else's opinion, so decide what to take onboard and what to throw out.
Remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion. You don't have to agree with it, but you do have to respect it.
When you're running out of ideas, go do something else.
No shopping listing. We only need to know that your character is eating, not what's on the menu.

hope this helps.

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