Goodreads
Goodreads asked Jennifer Uhlarik:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Jennifer Uhlarik My advice for aspiring writers is two-fold. First, study the craft. This would include reading books on how to write, going to writing conferences if you're able, join a critique group and get feedback from other authors on your work, and enter your writing in contests that offers feedback from the judges. Take all of those things you learn and apply them to your writing. Hone your craft until your writing sings. (This process can take years and lots of hard work, so don't rush it). The second part is: NEVER GIVE UP! The writing business is an achingly slow industry. Most every writer I know says that it took far longer than they ever dreamed to get that first contract or the first big break, so to make it as an author, one has to push on even when it feels like the waiting will kill you. And when the waiting drags on, go back to the first part of the answer. Study more, enter more contests, pen another story. Keep practicing and try not to focus on how long it's taking. More often than not, the breaks will come if you work hard and persevere.

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