Goodreads asked J.C. Patrick:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

J.C. Patrick Number one - You CAN do this! Two - Start with an outline, but expect to modify it as you progress and find ways to make your story even better. Three - Spend some time envisioning/writing your main character summaries before you write your first chapter. Trust me, it will make your work later so much easier. Four - Writing a novel is an incredible amount of work, and few people may read your book, not even good friends or family. Write for the joy and satisfaction it brings YOU! Five - Write often and a lot, even with the knowledge that you may edit out much of your work in a later draft. What seems essential in a first draft, may seem a bit wordy after succesive reads. Six - Expect to write multiple drafts and read numerous times. It's true! Allow at least 3-5 (or more) drafts just for content. Proofing coming after this. Seven and most important - Be proud of your "creative genius" and give yourself a pat on the back!

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