Don't Compete. Play.

What advice would you offer a new writer wanting to get their first novel published in today’s highly competitive publishing environment?

I've been scarred by my use of other folks' wisdom in my life. For a kid who was raised to find good teachers and swear fealty to them, that produced a series of unbroken wondrous moments where I hard-earned a few nuggets, at least upside my head. It's why I'm pained to give advice, and even more confused about what it says about me once I do. What I can saf...