Goodreads asked David L. Gurnee:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

David L. Gurnee Don't try to be a writer. That is, don't try to use language that you think sounds profound, or "author" like, or like someone else you've read. It will come off cliché and pretentious, and will take the reader out of the story (like bad film acting takes the viewer out of the story). Just write about something you are passionate about, and say it the way you would if you were talking to a friend. The more "in the moment" you are when you are writing, the more your reader will be drawn into the story.

The only other advice I would offer is: I try to stay pretty organized while I'm writing. Once I have a good idea, I usually discover the inciting incident, main conflict, turning point, climax, and ending fairly soon (not always in that order). Within this structure, I am free to explore. And there are always many exciting discoveries along the way. Good luck.

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