Goodreads asked Adam J. Smith:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Adam J. Smith Read as much as you can so you understand not only what makes a compelling story, or an interesting character, but also how they are presented. Great writing can elevate a simple story, adding flesh to the back bone of the narrative or beating heart of the protagonist. It's important to recognise that both the what and the how are equally important; no-one wants to read a poorly written, lazily structured sci-fi / Hobbitan-cross if they can't make it through a paragraph without having to stop and figure out what's going on. Likewise, the most colourful language in the world can only ascribe a certain amount of interest to a freshly painted wall.

Beyond this, understand your personal motives and realise how difficult it is. Write what you want to write, not what you think you should write (if you don't enjoy the process or the story, then you'll never get motivation). If you don't read sci-fi, don't write sci-fi. If you think erotica will make you money, make sure you do your research first. Find niches, aspire to originality, keep a notebook, and plan. The more you plan, the less editing you will need to do. Decide if this is a passion, or a job. Aspire for it to be both.

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