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Everyone says that writers make no money even if you're famous. Is that true?
I really like writing and have thought about being a play writer but a lot of my friends and teacher say that it would be a really hard profession.
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Elisa’s Answer
I have been a professional female screenwriter for over 25 years, was it hard to get started? Of course it was! Was it worth it? YES. If writing is your passion, the only way to become a writer is to write. A LOT. I wrote 8 scripts (each about 120 pages) before I sold my first one. Every time I got better, and every time I kept going. I had a day job and even after selling my first script, I kept my job, just in case. Then I sold my second script, and finally quit my day job, I have been a working screenwriter ever since that time. The good news is, everything you do, everything that happens to you, is research! So write about your life, your job, your friends, only you can tell your story. Write what you know. Follow your passion. And yes, it will be hard. But maybe, just maybe, you become a writer, how cool would that be?
Once you have a piece of writing that you've rewritten and polished and you think is really good, get some positive feedback from mentors -- then enter some contests, it's the best way to get noticed.
Elisa recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Maya
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Caitlyn’s Answer
This is 100% false. Writing has been paying my bills for over 25 years, and I now make well over $100,000/ year (more than $60/hour). Good writing is crucial to the success of any business. I'm a Senior Technhical Writer, and I have had articles published in magazines, too, so I do plenty of creative writing, too.
One of my favorite things about being a technical writer is that it leaves plenty of creative energy for my own projects. I'm in the middle of several novels, a cook book, a joke Tarot deck, and I am about to release two books of poetry! You would absolutely have the bandwidth to write your plays.
The best way to start is to get a BA with Creative Writing and minor in some area of science (my area is equine preveterinary science), instead of a certification.
By the way, it's not hard to get into. Just prepare a portfolio of 3-5 pieces that include screenshots and callouts. You can put together an FAQ, a guide on using your favorite app, a quick start guide to doing something you're familiar with, things like that.
Set up a resume for technical writing (Google "Technical Writing resumes"), and start applying for jobs.
If you do not like to write, or struggle with grammar, this is not a good fit. These things need to come easily to you.
Outside of work, you can join playwriting workshops and hone your favorite craft.
One of my favorite things about being a technical writer is that it leaves plenty of creative energy for my own projects. I'm in the middle of several novels, a cook book, a joke Tarot deck, and I am about to release two books of poetry! You would absolutely have the bandwidth to write your plays.
Caitlyn recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Maya
Feel free to reach out t me anytime. I'm happy to help!
Caitlyn Johnston
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Grace’s Answer
Just like many have mentioned before, writing can open doors to a variety of rewarding careers! Numerous advertising and marketing firms are on the lookout for imaginative writers, offering salaries that can easily surpass six figures. Moreover, the field of content marketing is expanding rapidly, providing a significant amount of creative liberty. This means you can write about what truly excites you, especially if you land a job in an industry that sparks your passion.
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David’s Answer
Writing IS a really hard profession. Particularly if you want to be creative and make stories that move people. Publishers, Hollywood, etc. are always looking for dollar signs, so they can be very cold to up-and-coming writers. First, ask yourself if you MUST write, and if you must, then resolve to do it every day and keep at it. One thing that works in your favor is time and experience. If you write ten bad plays, that is better than writing one bad play, because you keep learning each time, and making connections, and finding people to share with, etc. Many writers have other jobs while they are writing and pitching their ideas, so prepare for that reality.
Thank you!
Maya
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Nick’s Answer
Sure, it might be a bit tough! But remember, the key is to figure out if you truly enjoy the journey. If you do, you'll find that doors start to swing open for you. Chances will present themselves. This doesn't mean you won't have to put in effort, but the effort itself can be the prize. Now, as a Senior Copywriter, I earn a pretty comfortable living. So yes, it's possible to earn money while writing. I may not know much about writing for theater, but I can tell you this - you're in a great position right now. You have the exciting opportunity to choose your career path. I say, go for it! Aim for a job that allows you to earn a decent income as you work towards your creative dreams. My copywriting job takes care of my bills, while writing fiction feeds my soul!
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Talia’s Answer
Our writing has supported both my husband and myself for our entire careers! He started out in journalism for local news, and now writes articles for gaming websites as well as produces television shows. I write fiction books, resumes, and articles for websites.
Yes, the industry can be challenging. But I think that can be said of any industry. If you want to work in the healthcare field you need years of education. If you want to work in sales you have to work long hours and build relationships. If you want to work in writing, you have to write A LOT. Anything worth doing is challenging.
Yes, the industry can be challenging. But I think that can be said of any industry. If you want to work in the healthcare field you need years of education. If you want to work in sales you have to work long hours and build relationships. If you want to work in writing, you have to write A LOT. Anything worth doing is challenging.
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Margaret’s Answer
Hi Maya! The world of writing can open up so many different career avenues. You could become an author, playwright, editor, researcher, or content marketer, just to name a few. What's more, excellent writing skills can set you apart in any professional field you choose. Being able to express your thoughts clearly and concisely is a powerful asset. If possible, I recommend pursuing a major in English or Writing during your college years, and selecting a minor that broadens your prospects. As pointed out earlier, the tech industry offers numerous high-paying jobs centered around writing, particularly in content marketing. Additionally, consider exploring PR and advertising agencies. While the initial pay may be lower at agencies, these jobs provide ample room for growth and career progression, which can lead to higher earnings in the long run.
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Shawn’s Answer
Maya. I’m so glad to hear you want to be a playwright. Let me answer answer your question to directly being a playwright. I am a professional award winning, published playwright. It is not as easy to break into as you may think. But you can do it. Let me tell you how. Go to college and get a creative writing degree. Immediately go and get a masters in creative writing with an emphasis in playwriting. During this time, you will write a very good play with guidance from other playwrights. With your Masters and your play, you will be able to teach at the college and university level. This is important because it is hard to make a living as a playwright at the beginning. As for making a living as a creative writer and not a free lance or content writer, it does come down to marketability. I know playwrights that have one successful play that gets performed many times a year and I know playwrights who struggle with 10 or more plays published. It’s hard to talk about marketing but there are certain types of plays that are more popular than others. Don’t be to concerned about this. Write that first play and see where it can take you. The other important thing you will need to do and it’s something you can start right now. Cultivate contacts. More than likely you are going to need to get that first play produced before you can get it published. Most publishers insist on that. So keep within the theater community, help out at as many productions as you can. Introduce yourself to directors, producers, stage managers and such. Any of those people and others who you might be able to show your play to. Those are often the decision makers who can get plays approved.
I hope this is helpful to you. Feel free to comment below with further questions. You can check out my professional website (another good thing to have once you have written a play or plays) at shawndealsplays.com
I hope this is helpful to you. Feel free to comment below with further questions. You can check out my professional website (another good thing to have once you have written a play or plays) at shawndealsplays.com