Elizabeth Bonesteel
Writing advice: Write. All the time. Write a lot. Also, read.
Use of language is a cumulative skill. Once you've mastered the basics, all the inspiring "how to be a writer" books in the world are no substitute for practice and experimentation. Reading - and re-reading, if you can, especially books you particularly enjoy - can help you get a sense of pacing and narrative shape. But when it comes down to it, you get nowhere if you don't just sit yourself down and get the words out.
Past that: Write multiple stories, short or long. Don't hang all your hopes on this one specific thing that you've always longed to write. And don't give up if you can't sell that thing you love. Write another thing you love, and another after that. There is value in the work that is independent of commercial success.
Use of language is a cumulative skill. Once you've mastered the basics, all the inspiring "how to be a writer" books in the world are no substitute for practice and experimentation. Reading - and re-reading, if you can, especially books you particularly enjoy - can help you get a sense of pacing and narrative shape. But when it comes down to it, you get nowhere if you don't just sit yourself down and get the words out.
Past that: Write multiple stories, short or long. Don't hang all your hopes on this one specific thing that you've always longed to write. And don't give up if you can't sell that thing you love. Write another thing you love, and another after that. There is value in the work that is independent of commercial success.
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