Goodreads asked Brian McMahon:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Brian McMahon 1. People will tell you to "write every day." If you can, do it. If you can't, you're like most of us, and I would encourage you to simply take advantage of the days (or hours or minutes) when you do have the time, energy, or ideas. On the busier or more frustrating days, try to find a few minutes to jot down ideas and set goals for the next "good day." There are plenty of days when my brain refuses to be as productive as I want, but I always try to set myself up for whenever it decides to cooperate by laying out a scene I want to finish, a character I want to outline, etc.

2. Set small goals first. If you want to get in shape, you're not going to wake up tomorrow and run ten miles. Start small, embrace manageable goals, and let them grow naturally. Your daily output will increase as you get acclimated to your routine. You'll run ten miles a day in no time, and you'll produce a whole bunch of good stuff on the way.

3. Value feedback. The obvious part of this is to embrace criticism, to seek out honest responses from people you respect as readers and writers. The less obvious part is to absorb the praise, too. If you're doing something that really works for readers, you should know that -- and be happy about it! Ask questions of your readers and critics. Learn what moves them and confuses them.

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