Goodreads asked Liz Treacher:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Liz Treacher My advice is write what you want to write, rather than trying to fill the criteria of a niche or genre. Chances are that there will be a niche for it. When I finished my first draft of my dark, contemporary novel, I asked someone who worked in publishing if they had any idea where it would fit. They came up with 'Speculative Fiction'! I had never heard of that particular genre... Also, don't worry if someone you show your work to, whether they are friend/family or possible agent/publisher doesn't like what you've written. Everyone has very clear and very different tastes in books and what one person doesn't like, another might love. But always ask for a reason and take it on board. The hero of 'The Wrong Envelope' (Bernard) was sometimes an issue with beta readers in the early days. First of all I dismissed any criticisms of his character, thinking to myself 'They just don't understand him!' But gradually the comments percolated down and I softened him ever so slightly. Now I think he is a more rounded character, but without the criticisms, that wouldn't have happened.

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