Best Advice

Narrative asked its authors to let us know the best advice they were ever given, on any matter that was key for them. We encouraged all responses, whether wise, humorous, contrary, useful, entertaining, or admonitory. The offered advice could be from a friend, enemy, spouse, lover, mentor, teacher, editor, neighbor, or anyone else, and could include advice the writer may have given him- or herself (whether or not the advice was taken!). Over the coming months, we’re going to share with you our authors’ responses, beginning with Amy Bloom: