Goodreads asked Julia Buckley:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Julia Buckley Persistence is key. There were many years when I couldn't even get someone to answer my query letters, but I kept going to my writing group and honing my craft, and I kept those letters in the mail. In the process I came to realize that my writing was in fact getting better and better.

When I knew I had really good things to send out, I realized that no matter how good a book was, not everyone would like it. I advise any would-be writer to develop a thick skin and keep sending out the manuscripts. Also, when you get a rejection letter that is highly complimentary--that means you are really, really close, so take it as a positive sign. Frame it and be proud of it, and keep going.

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