Goodreads asked Erica Verrillo:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Erica Verrillo My advice to aspiring writers is to write. I know that sounds facetious, but in order to learn a skill, you must practice. Write anything - book reviews, letters to the editor, a journal - but make sure that everything you write is your best work. What you write must always be the full expression of what you have to say. Have you made the best word choice? If that the best way to phrase that sentence? (And no grammatical or spelling errors please - edit, edit, edit!) Once you have posted a review, let's say, go back a few days later and improve it. That will get you into the habit of revising.

Beyond practicing your skill, make sure that you read. When you read books that capture you, that draw you in, stop and ask yourself the question, "How did the author do that?" Analyze the author's technique, and try using it in your own work.

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