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What is some of the best ways to kickstart a career in Writing professionally?

I see it is taxing to become a “best-selling author,” and wanted to see an authors point of view on the subject.

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Maria’s Answer

Hailey, it's not just taxing. It's nearly impossible. I've been writing and publishing for over 20 years, and my books have won multiple awards. I know several best-selling authors. But for every one of them, there are thousands if not millions of authors who never hit that league. And even when they do? They don't live on that money. They're also teachers, professors, editors, freelancers...they're all hustling to make a living, even when their books are made into movies. That's just reality. And commercial success is elusive. It's not something you can control or "aim for." You just have to write what you love.

As for me, I've made a living as a professional writer virtually my entire life. For example, I took my writing skills to Disney, where I was a UX copywriter for their websites and I even wrote games for several years. My career has crossed multiple industries and geographies, starting in the Silicon Valley and now currently in Los Angeles, where I've pivoted to UX writing. There's great money in the field of UX design and it's fascinating. And guess what? I still write novels and stories that people love. Just be the best writer you can be and stay open to where things might go. :)
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your response! I had assumed it was that way, and appreciate the words of advice; I will definitely take it moving forward, that is if I decide to publish my own works someday. Hailey
Thank you comment icon You're welcome, Hailey! Just become the best writer you can be -- read a lot, write a lot, and be patient. Someday your words will touch people. And that's what's important. Maria Alexander
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Joseph’s Answer

For 40 years, I've been writing professionally, and I always ask myself two important questions before I start: "Who am I writing for?" and "What do they need, want, or care about?" I feel successful as an author when I connect with my readers, sharing my knowledge and experiences in a way that makes them eager for more.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice! Hailey
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Louise’s Answer

There are many different ways to write professionally. I knew I wanted to write creatively from an early age. I learned about copywriting, writing ad copy, when I was in middle school. I got a journalism degree with an advertising major and now work as a senior copywriter for Universal Orlando Resort. I write scripts for commercials and radio, headlines and descriptions for the web, billboards, print ads, etc.

I work with a variety of different writers, including UXUI writers who write for the web, show writers who write the scripts and come up with ideas for live entertainment, internal and corporate communications writers who develop content for employees and customers, respectively, etc.
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