Goodreads asked Susan Branch:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Susan Branch My newest book, Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams is all about how I wrote and sold my first book, and the inspiration for doing it . . . but I probably don't have to tell anyone on Goodreads the answer to that question, especially for children, is "read" -- read like crazy, read everything, and also, keep a diary. I didn't know I would grow up to be a writer, so I didn't quite "plan" it, but I kept diaries all my life, which turned out to be a wonderful way of practicing without even knowing I was doing it. And, if I were to start over, I would take every creative writing class I could find because I see now how good practice is. It isn't just the writing, it's the story, so also I would suggest you go out and live and learn and apply those things so you have something to write about. Hope this helps!

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