To my unending frustration, most readers/editors/workshoppers and even small-press publishers kept telling me my opening pages lacked urgency and conflict. The market demands an exploding helicopter on page one. Why the frustration? I see the conflict as real and compelling - a woman almost age 30 has kept her flying career a secret from her parents, but she's getting ready to risk their wrath by telling them what she really does.
To find an editor who gets you, who likes your characters, who enjoys being in the world you've just built - that's the challenge! That, and getting lots of readers to keep turning the pages, saying More More MORE.
My favorite books have not been popular or even particularly famous.

Good Morning, Young Lady (1953)

The Neanderthal's Aunt

Botanicaust

Poor Man's Wealth

And of course Harry Potter - Book One is the best - the series has many flaws, as critics love to point out, but so what! We love Harry!

If you love the TV show Dexter, don't waste your time on the books. The first one is ok, but the last one is beyond terrible.

So, "Write what you like to read" is risky advice for me, because I love obscure authors who never made the best seller lists.