If every editor turns you down, maybe you should take a second look at your text, however, just in case.

I never do a full outline, and if I did, I would not feel bound to it, because the view from inside a scene can be different from the view outside it. But neither do I just start writing and see what happens; I am far more disciplined than that.

I have always admired the work of Phil Farmer and was glad for the chance to work with him. Readers today may be too young to remember his classics like The Lovers.

That most dangerous of opponents: the one who took pains to comprehend the position of his adversary.

Polishing: a useful lesson for the hopeful writer. You say your tormented prose doesn't read as well as mine? Neither does mine, at first!

Information is power. --Humfrey

Have a working spouse, because you won't earn a living from writing - not at first, if ever. My wife worked for years to support us.