Goodreads asked Rob Pfeiffer:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Rob Pfeiffer A plethora of ideas (not necessarily in order of priority): read the best books that are similar to what you intended to write; read good books on how to write well (e.g. elements of style); discuss your ideas/content before, during, and after your writing with other writers to get their feedback; do background research or groundwork beforehand if necessary (build a timeline of events, get patient records if involves medical history); settle on the over-arching theme that will unify the work early if possible; outline, outline, outline; write it all first and then revise, revise, revise--do not get paralyzed by searching for the perfect word or phrase on the first revision; do not involve editors too early--do multiple drafts/revisions before you demand time from others or else you'll be wasting time and alienate potential helpers; recognize what you cannot do well and bring in quality help to do that (e.g., you're not good at graphic design--acquire/hire someone to do a cover or artwork for you); lastly, if your project is valuable and useful to others, do not give up! Keep going and finish the job. You'll never regret having completed your work, but you will if you don't.

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