Goodreads asked Leslie Nagel:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Leslie Nagel First: You have to put in the time. If you don't, you haven't earned the right to whine about how hard it is to get published. Second: You must be prepared to discard or set aside reams of your own writing. I know that sounds dark, but it doesn't have to be. Just remember that no effort, no education, no kooky short story, no experimental dialog or backstory written just to clarify your own thinking, NONE of it is a waste of time. Everything you ever do, whether it gets published or not, contributes to your growth as a writer in ways you may never fully appreciate.

flag