10 answers
Savion
Student
Chandler, Arizona
7
Questions
Asked
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What is good advice to become a writer?
Good steps to become a writer.
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10 answers
Surabhi P
Writer
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Surabhi’s Answer
I think one piece of advice is to read as much as you can, and to add variety into your reading habits, you just might stumble upon a writing style that speaks to you!
You could also join writing clubs in your area or even ones online and connect with like-minded writers who will encourage to keep writing, and give you feedback that helps you get better at it
There's also plenty of resources that can give you a good starting point, several websites provide regular writing prompts that help you think beyond the current limits of your imagination, and also allow you to read some excellent works by people who write using the same prompt
Degrees in English Literature or Creative Writing give you an excellent idea about the world of writing, however, if you want to choose what some would call a "safer" major, marketing and journalism are also excellent choices. Even if you don't choose a writing-oriented major, you can always continue to write! Contribute to local magazines, papers, college or school-run outlets, online publications, there are about a dozen different ways you can about this!
Whatever you choose, it's important to remember to write what you would truly enjoy writing, write so it's easy for a larger audience to understand, and to just not stop writing! Good luck!
~Surabhi
https://www.clevergirlauthor.com/online-writing-groups/
https://storyaday.org/writing-prompt-archive/
https://bcs448.libguides.com/booksandreading/publish
You could also join writing clubs in your area or even ones online and connect with like-minded writers who will encourage to keep writing, and give you feedback that helps you get better at it
There's also plenty of resources that can give you a good starting point, several websites provide regular writing prompts that help you think beyond the current limits of your imagination, and also allow you to read some excellent works by people who write using the same prompt
Degrees in English Literature or Creative Writing give you an excellent idea about the world of writing, however, if you want to choose what some would call a "safer" major, marketing and journalism are also excellent choices. Even if you don't choose a writing-oriented major, you can always continue to write! Contribute to local magazines, papers, college or school-run outlets, online publications, there are about a dozen different ways you can about this!
Whatever you choose, it's important to remember to write what you would truly enjoy writing, write so it's easy for a larger audience to understand, and to just not stop writing! Good luck!
~Surabhi
Surabhi recommends the following next steps:
Michele Marques
Information Architect
19
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Start by writing about things that interest you. I noticed from your hashtags that you are interested in journalism. Consider writing for your school newspaper.
Take writing classes. Read all sorts of works.
Investigate different options for writing. Do you prefer to invent stories and write fiction? Do you prefer to research and write to inform people?
Take writing classes. Read all sorts of works.
Investigate different options for writing. Do you prefer to invent stories and write fiction? Do you prefer to research and write to inform people?
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Savion !
Being a writer is such a wonderful way to share stories, information and convey messages through your writing and it is a most appreciated talent that you have. I would suggest beginning now. My advice is to write something everyday and explore a variety of types of writing, including playwriting and technical writing among the forms that you may already love. The more versatile you are, the more you'll get published and make a living from your writing.
I see by your tag that you are considering college and I would support that. A college degree will provide you with personal and professional growth and be very inspiring to you as a writer. I have provided a link below for a list of college majors for writers that you can consider.
If you don't know where to begin, you can start writing on a website called Writing. I left a link for you below. Register there and navigate the community and begin writing. Your work will be considered published there as it is web content and can serve as a collection portfolio of your work. Many supportive writers frequent this website and there are always interesting topics offered to write about. I have also left a link for you below on the steps to take to become a professional writer that may be of help to you.
If you are in high school, continue taking literature classes and any form of writing classes that your school offers.
I wish you all the best for this wonderful career choice !
WRITING WEBSITE https://www.writing.com/
HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL WRITER https://elnacain.com/blog/become-a-writer/
COLLEGE MAJORS FOR WRITERS https://www.liveabout.com/college-writing-majors-1360278
Being a writer is such a wonderful way to share stories, information and convey messages through your writing and it is a most appreciated talent that you have. I would suggest beginning now. My advice is to write something everyday and explore a variety of types of writing, including playwriting and technical writing among the forms that you may already love. The more versatile you are, the more you'll get published and make a living from your writing.
I see by your tag that you are considering college and I would support that. A college degree will provide you with personal and professional growth and be very inspiring to you as a writer. I have provided a link below for a list of college majors for writers that you can consider.
If you don't know where to begin, you can start writing on a website called Writing. I left a link for you below. Register there and navigate the community and begin writing. Your work will be considered published there as it is web content and can serve as a collection portfolio of your work. Many supportive writers frequent this website and there are always interesting topics offered to write about. I have also left a link for you below on the steps to take to become a professional writer that may be of help to you.
If you are in high school, continue taking literature classes and any form of writing classes that your school offers.
I wish you all the best for this wonderful career choice !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Laura Kaminski
Sr Analyst
6
Answers
Manchester, New Hampshire
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Savion,
If you have something you are interested in writing about that's all it takes to get started. Learning to expand on ideas and express them through words comes with time and editing, but if you have the story to start, then the rest can be improved upon. The courage to write down your stories and allow others to read them is the hard part. Understand that not everyone will be interested or even like your story, but that doesn't matter because if you like it, odds are someone else will too and eventually you'll gain interest. Just don't get disheartened. Not everyone has the same taste or style, so you want to keep true to yourself and keep pushing forward. Share your stories and request feedback. Know that only with time and practice will you improve and expand your skill.
Good luck writing!!
If you have something you are interested in writing about that's all it takes to get started. Learning to expand on ideas and express them through words comes with time and editing, but if you have the story to start, then the rest can be improved upon. The courage to write down your stories and allow others to read them is the hard part. Understand that not everyone will be interested or even like your story, but that doesn't matter because if you like it, odds are someone else will too and eventually you'll gain interest. Just don't get disheartened. Not everyone has the same taste or style, so you want to keep true to yourself and keep pushing forward. Share your stories and request feedback. Know that only with time and practice will you improve and expand your skill.
Good luck writing!!
Andres Villasenor
Process engineer and Product Manager
2
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Andres’s Answer
To excel in any field, it's crucial to pinpoint the 20% of tasks that will generate 80% of the outcomes. In the realm of writing, editing is that vital 20% that propels the 80% of results. As the renowned Ernest Hemingway once expressed, “The first draft of anything is rubbish.” It's through meticulous revisions and rewrites that a radiant, pristine, and captivating piece of writing emerges.
There's no magic formula to becoming a proficient writer. The most valuable counsel I can offer is to familiarize yourself with a routine that includes daily writing. Even if the content isn't as refined or impressive as you'd prefer, don't fret. No one crafts perfect prose right off the bat. Simply initiating the process and writing about any topic is far more advantageous than waiting for a wave of inspiration to pen the next bestseller.
Commitment is key. Be prepared to invest between 5,000 to 10,000 hours. Welcome failure and extract lessons from it. The quicker you overcome these setbacks, the sooner you'll begin to taste success. This approach also serves as an effective litmus test to determine if writing truly is your calling. You'll gain more insight from the struggles of maintaining a daily writing habit, dealing with writer's block or lack of inspiration than from the actual pieces you complete.
There's no magic formula to becoming a proficient writer. The most valuable counsel I can offer is to familiarize yourself with a routine that includes daily writing. Even if the content isn't as refined or impressive as you'd prefer, don't fret. No one crafts perfect prose right off the bat. Simply initiating the process and writing about any topic is far more advantageous than waiting for a wave of inspiration to pen the next bestseller.
Commitment is key. Be prepared to invest between 5,000 to 10,000 hours. Welcome failure and extract lessons from it. The quicker you overcome these setbacks, the sooner you'll begin to taste success. This approach also serves as an effective litmus test to determine if writing truly is your calling. You'll gain more insight from the struggles of maintaining a daily writing habit, dealing with writer's block or lack of inspiration than from the actual pieces you complete.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
To become a writer, it's important to read widely and expose yourself to different styles and genres. Regularly practice writing and experiment with various types of writing to find your voice and strengths. Seek feedback from trusted sources to improve your work and consider taking writing workshops or courses to learn from experienced writers. Edit and revise your writing to refine it, and establish a writing routine to stay disciplined and productive. Embrace rejection as a part of the process and persist in submitting your work. Building a portfolio of your best pieces is also crucial to showcase your skills. Additionally, when considering going to college, think about the benefits it can offer in terms of expanding your knowledge, networking opportunities, and personal growth. Research if a college degree aligns with your writing goals and explore programs or majors that can enhance your writing skills. Ultimately, the decision to go to college should be based on your individual circumstances and aspirations. Enjoy the journey!
Aaron COX
project manager
3
Answers
Maricopa, Arizona
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
This may sound simple but, just write! Write about anything, whatever comes to mind, your dreams, your environment, your family. I find that the best writing comes from what interests you and what you are passionate about. There is a story to tell in everything around you. You do not have to write the next great novel right away, write a short story or poem. Allow yourself the time to submerge yourself in your thoughts and put it to paper.
Emily Kurfess
Graphic Design
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Emily’s Answer
First and foremost, write about what you love! You will succeed in capturing an audience if you write passionately about a topic. Secondly, read books in the genre you want to write. This will help you to understand the kind of content that already exists, and it will inspire you to create your own work. Good luck!
Sonya Connor
Sys Spec IT Qual Assurance
16
Answers
Updated
Sonya’s Answer
Hello Savion,
First of all this is a subject that is near and dear to me since I am a children's book author so I would like to say great choice!
Read as much as you can about the subjects that you will be writing about. Join writing communities for feedback, ideas, and encouragement. Surround yourself with information and things that inspire you. I have my desk with my books and books from other authors that I'm inspired by.
Find a writing spot where you can think. I have a couple of places...the beach near me or my deck.
I need quiet to think. Others enjoy background music. Find what works for you.
Take writing classes to hone your skills. Research, research, research.
Keep a physical or digital notepad with you to jot down when inspired or a thought comes to your mind. In my case sometimes I think of something in the middle of the night that I will jot down before I lose the thought the next day.
There are many different things you could be writing. A book, writing for a magazine, newspaper articles etc. Figure out what type of writing you are interested in doing. Research someone that is already doing it and see if you can find information on their journey to success.
All the best to you!
First of all this is a subject that is near and dear to me since I am a children's book author so I would like to say great choice!
Read as much as you can about the subjects that you will be writing about. Join writing communities for feedback, ideas, and encouragement. Surround yourself with information and things that inspire you. I have my desk with my books and books from other authors that I'm inspired by.
Find a writing spot where you can think. I have a couple of places...the beach near me or my deck.
I need quiet to think. Others enjoy background music. Find what works for you.
Take writing classes to hone your skills. Research, research, research.
Keep a physical or digital notepad with you to jot down when inspired or a thought comes to your mind. In my case sometimes I think of something in the middle of the night that I will jot down before I lose the thought the next day.
There are many different things you could be writing. A book, writing for a magazine, newspaper articles etc. Figure out what type of writing you are interested in doing. Research someone that is already doing it and see if you can find information on their journey to success.
All the best to you!
Sneha Kaushik
Manager, Recruitment Coordinators
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Keep reading, and keep writing. It truly is just as simple. Some days you may be inspired to try something new. Somedays you'll fall back on what you find easiest to write about. Some days you'll struggle to come up with a single coherent line. Other days you'll fill pages. Most of those days you'll feel a certain way. Dig into what that feeling is. The secret sauce to good writing is simply enjoying it. Also, the more you read, the more it will expand your horizons.
Another practical thing you can do, is let people read your writing, and welcome their feedback. When you write for a particular audience, and you are able to get feedback from that same group, it helps you finesse your work. Accepting feedback with the right attitude is crucial to growing in any field.
I highly suggest starting a blog or an online journal so that you stay committed to your passion and schedule of writing!
Work on the little things that help you write better. Does it help you more if you write at your desk at the same time everyday? Does it help to carry a little notepad to scribble ideas in? Does meeting people help you carve out new ideas for stories? Does a hike help you clear your mind? You'll learn to do more of that which fuels you, and fuels your writing. Good luck!
Another practical thing you can do, is let people read your writing, and welcome their feedback. When you write for a particular audience, and you are able to get feedback from that same group, it helps you finesse your work. Accepting feedback with the right attitude is crucial to growing in any field.
I highly suggest starting a blog or an online journal so that you stay committed to your passion and schedule of writing!
Work on the little things that help you write better. Does it help you more if you write at your desk at the same time everyday? Does it help to carry a little notepad to scribble ideas in? Does meeting people help you carve out new ideas for stories? Does a hike help you clear your mind? You'll learn to do more of that which fuels you, and fuels your writing. Good luck!