Goodreads asked Stacy Allen:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Stacy Allen I think there are a few things to remember, if you want to be a writer. First, don't get confused and assume that you must be published to be a writer. The minute you start putting words on paper, you are a writer. Second, the best advice I can give you is never give up. This business is brutal, but the payoff is worth it. It has taken me YEARS to get to this point. Many, many conferences. Retreats. Story after story. Edits, Revisions, Deletions, Research. The one constant is that I refused to give up. You will receive many rejections, hurtful comments, misunderstandings. People won't get you or your stories. But keep remembering that each rejection is an opinion. It isn't gospel. Now, that being said, if you send out a story or a manuscript to several editors or agents, and you find that you are getting back similar reactions to things, keep in mind you should be flexible enough to take a step back and realize you may need to clarify, change, delete or add. When I first got my agent, when I pitched to her, I told her I wanted to write books that people want to read. I knew this was a business, and I was willing to listen and take direction. And for the most part, nearly all the suggestions or comments from others have led to an a-ha moment with me saying "Why didn't I think of that?" We are way too close to our stuff to be objective about our own writing. Critique groups, made up of others who respect and support, but also tell you the truth are critical.

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