Garrett
Starting in high school, what is the first or the most important step in becoming a writer/author?
I am a junior at Boston Collegiate Charter School (BCCS) in Boston, MA. I have a passion for writing and have written short stories and poems effortlessly since the sixth grade. I have seen my writing skills grow tremendously over my years at BCCS. Since freshman year, in addition to writing short stories, I have been relentlessly crafting the outline for a full length dramatic novel with just a hint of dark humor, and have begun planning out a science-fiction tragedy where I hope to cross over into controversial territory. I know that I want a major in college and a career after that incorporating writing. I prefer creative writing that gives the reader and the writer access to other genres. I am wondering if writer's have to be restricted to one genre. Also, I am curious to know the level of difficulty in becoming a successful author. #journalism #author #writer #journalist #novels #genre
2 answers
Donald Wood MBA / MEd
Donald’s Answer
Garrett: I was a math teacher and then banker who thought that he could never be a writer. In addition, my English education was not a stellar experience. However, I just self-published my third book "70 Actions for Success" and it is doing well on Amazon. The first thing I realized, which you have already realized, is that I had something to say. So, I just started to write. I have advised two friends who both have the makings of a very good seller to just start writing - one page a day means that one has written 365 pages in a year! Discipline works. Second, I found that a good editor makes a world of difference. Third, I have also published a number of articles both in my field of banking and outside the field. I realized that there are numerous paper and online magazines looking for things to publish, it is a matter of finding the one that is looking for your particular work at the right time. It takes some work but you can find that magazine. Don't get discouraged. For example, I recently sent a nonfiction work (my first) to the New Yorker - it did not get published but it was worth the try. Two other suggestions - you can always self-publish. Amazon is very good and I used them for my third book. It costs a bit -$1,800 (it might be a bit cheaper). Maybe you could crowd source and give each contributor a signed copy of your work! Lastly, try looking at YouTube and listening to Laura Gray-Street a professor at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia. She has some great ideas and observations and maybe you could even contact her using her email address which you can find on their website. If you crowd source let me know!
Thank you Donald! For now I'm going to continue working on the book I have been outlining, but I will definetly take your advide and try to get my ideas heard and I will look into this Youtube channel
Garrett
I feel the exact same way you do and I too have been writing ever since I can remember
Sophia
Jonas L. Harris
Jonas L.’s Answer
Publish something. Be open to your critics. Blog. Find people that will edit for your (this will come in handy as you develop). Find a mentor that is a writer. Study your genre intensely.
Write an ebook and publish through Amazon for free. As you advertise it, you want to get 2000 downloads in the first two weeks and the will give you a Amazon #1 Best Seller designation with you produce hard copies.
By the way, editing is super important.