Goodreads asked Horton Deakins:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Horton Deakins Don't just dive in; study the process first. Know your grammar and spelling before you decide to get creative and break the rules. Have a goal, and know what your audience is. Are you writing for yourself, or do you expect to interest a large audience? If you expect to sell your book, research the genre's popularity. For instance, if you want to peddle your sci-fi to an agent, there are very few agents who will consider that genre. Keep in mind that it is a cutthroat business, and if you can't deal with getting your feelings hurt, then perhaps it's not for you. An be prepared to paper your wall with rejection notices from your query letters before you get a bite.

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