Goodreads asked Addison M. Conley:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Addison M. Conley Never give up. Find your niche and continue to hone your craft. What genre do you like to write? Do you prefer short stories, novels, or both? Take writing classes (in-person or online) that cover numerous topics – writing an effective hook, plot and character development, “show don’t tell,” point of view, dialogue, etc. because a good story will fall dead if not delivered properly. There are plenty of good articles on the web, but I’m still a fan of taking a class. And most important, read tons of the genre you want to write. Step back from the reader enjoying the story and think analytically. When you try to publish, persist and don’t give up over a few rejections. Don’t fret if a publisher or editor asks for a rewrite or corrections. Do it and resubmit. And if you get signed to be published, learn about marketing because it’s more than social media. Lastly, join a professional group. I’m a big fan of Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS), and the GCLS Writing Academy is one of the best.

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