Goodreads asked Syrie James:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Syrie James Read, read, read. Write something every day, even if it's just an entry in a journal. Join a writers' group and attend writing classes, workshops, and conferences--they are invaluable and inspiring. Know that it can take years to learn your craft. Write what you love to read. Seek feedback from knowledge people and accept criticism gracefully. Study the screenplay formula for structure--it applies to every good story, be it a film, play, short story, or novel. Writing is a process. It's never perfect the first time--never. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite until you think it is ready--and then get more feedback and rewrite again. Believe in yourself. Never give up!

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