Goodreads asked Eileen O'Finlan:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Eileen O'Finlan Read. Read a lot. Read mostly in the genre in which you write, but read outside of it, too. Read everything you can get your hands on.

Also, join a writing group, but make sure the vibe is positive, supportive and encouraging. Be open to constructive criticism, but don't let anyone tear you down.

Remember that many of the most successful writers were rejected multiple times before being accepted. That's part of the learning process. Embrace it. Learn from it.

Remember, too, that some novels that became bestsellers and/or are considered classics got terrible reviews when they first came out. Don't let the negative opinions of a few discourage you. They might be dead wrong.

Most importantly, write every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. If you really can't think of anything to write, write your grocery list. I'm not kidding. I once had a workshop facilitator who told us this. The point is to get your pen on the paper or fingers on the keyboard and get something written. Sometimes it will be horrible, sometimes, mediocre, sometimes really good, occasionally great. All of them are learning experiences. All of them bring you closer to becoming the best writer you can be.

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