Goodreads asked Judy Goodwin:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Judy Goodwin Please, please learn your craft. Writing is probably the only profession where people think you can just pick up a pen and start writing a masterpiece. I've heard it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, and writing fiction is no different. Learn your spelling and grammar--even if you use an editor (and you should), you'll at least know what proper English should look like, so you'll know if you're being scammed. Join a writers critique group. Be prepared to grow a thick skin. Writing is hard work. Have the pride to make it professional.

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