Goodreads asked Sarah-Jane Stratford:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Sarah-Jane Stratford Try not to get discouraged! Creating a story you believe in can be excruciating enough, but then putting it out there and getting rejections is soul-draining. But you have to do it, because the fact is, you only need one person to say ‘yes.’ One agent, one editor – it’s a process, like anything else. But really, it’s all about the work. The old saws are true – you really do have to write every day, let yourself write utter crap, and just keep going. Writing is rewriting, over and over and over. It’s okay to never be satisfied, that’s what keeps you working harder and better. Writing is solitary, but one of the best things you can do for yourself is have a trusted group of readers – even after you’ve got an editor – who will tell you what is and isn’t working and advise cuts. I always realize after the fact that I should have cut more. And don’t waste money on cheap chocolate – you need the good stuff to get you through.

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