Goodreads asked Donya Lynne:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Donya Lynne Learn how to write before you actually write. Writing for fiction is not the same as journaling. It's not the same as "tinkering with an idea." You need to understand passive voice and active voice and when to use both. You need to master active verbs. You need to know the different functions of foreshadowing, subplots, secondary characters, story/character layering, and conflict, as well as how to craft character goals and motivation. And above all, you need to understand how to show and not tell, but also know when telling is okay and highly advised.

Too many writers in today's easy-to-publish world think that all it takes is an idea and to plunk down a few words and you've got a book. There's an art to writing for fiction. I would like to see more writers learn their craft before they publish a book.

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