Strong characters are a must. I don’t have to like the characters, but I have to have some point to relate to
How to write like Aaron Rath
If I could change anything from childhood, it would be to seek out more writer friends and communities. I spent a lot of time envisioning myself as a guy alone in a room, manufacturing the sublime out of nothing, and all that’s done is slow down my learning curve. Being part of a conversation and sharing more probably would have sped up the process.