Advice (for myself, two decades ago)
I have been thinking about what advice I would want to give someone who is just starting out as a writer. Now, I expect that there is no one-size-fits-all advice; different things resonate with different people. But this is what would have worked for ME:
Write for yourself. Figure out what stories you want to exist, and write those. Knowing what your goal is will make editing SO MUCH easier. Also, you are not that unique: if you want to read a specific story, chances are others do too.
You will spend a lot of time writing (and editing) , so figure out how to enjoy that process. (Seriously, being a writer is much more about writing than about reading complimentary comments.) There are many different ways to approach writing; some will be fun for you, others will be hell. You do not have to torture yourself by forcing yourself to use the process of some writer you admire. Try different things.
Comments are most valuable when they come from someone who enjoys reading the sort of thing you are trying to write. Most validating, too! Getting beta from someone who dislikes your story's genre. or tone, is just depressing. It's like asking for feedback on your ramen from someone who likes only Italian pasta. (On the flip side, readers who criticise your genre/tone should not be taken personally at all.)
I guess there should also be some sort of general advice not to take things personally and to get over myself, but I already know I will not listen to those.
