Can someone help me with becoming a writer?

Question

I really want to become a writer but because of my income and other financial issues things are not working for me at all. I am such a good writer and I've written so many things it's just been hard to get my name out! Can anyone help me with this?

****Only the serious need reply

Answer 1

If you haven't read them yet, check out these books for help in your writing:

1) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser-- This is an excellent reference for any kind of writing. It will make your emails, essays, stories, and other writing clearer. I recommend this to everyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

2) "Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott-- This is slightly more geared towards fiction writing, but can be helpful when you are attacking ANY large project in your life. Definitely a must for creative writers, students, or people who are looking for an entertaining book on writing.

3) "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. You didn't mention if you want to improve your writing for school, work, or if you are a creative writer. This definitely targets creative writing, and focuses on the practice of writing. I write a lot of poetry and am working on a novel, and this is incredibly motivational to me.

These will really help you get into the practice of creative writing. Like any other skill, it's something you need to work on every day to improve. Read as much as possible in the genres that you are interested in writing. This will allow you to see how those stories work as well as to see what has already been done.

Check out the website http://www.nanowrimo.org for a great novel-writing challenge! The idea is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. It's a tough goal, but the support is amazing. I think it is very important to have a support group of writers when you are attempting a novel.

Another great site is http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/ which has a ton of resources and articles to help you every step of the way. If you are stuck on just about anything, Holly Lisle has something there to help.

Have you taken a look at the books "Writer's Market" and "Guide to Literary Agents"? Your local public library may have copies, along with all the books I recommended above. You didn't mention what types of things you have writen. Fiction? Nonfiction? Poetry? Novels? Short stories?

These books are databases of publishers and agents who are looking for all types of works. You can search for the ones who are appropriate to your genre.

Answer 2

Becoming a writer is all about writing. Make sure you set aside some time every day to write and work on what you have written. Eventually, you'll come up with something you want to publish. But you shouldn't be thinking of publishing from the get go. Writing is not primarily about the financial rewards. It's nice if somebody is actually willing to pay to read what you wrote, but a writer is first and foremost an artist, and as such, the creative process is its own reward.
It's all about writing and working. Write, write, write, work, work, work.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

If you can take the time to write, take the time to submit your writing. Its free and the more you expose your self, the higher chance you will get noticed. Buy a writer's magazine, go online and research. Tons of books out there telling you where to submit your writing.
You claim to be "such a good writer " yet you are a very inexperienced researcher. No agent will help you unless you help your self. Go on YahooBeta360 and write blogs, so we can see how great you are.

Answer 4

Being a writer is a very difficult thing to do, but remember this; ''patience is a virtue." It does sound like you have a passion for writing, so as most "writers"(known & unkown) do, they write as a past-time, while holding down their jobs.
They also accept the fact that they will have an "uphill battle" just getting their works(book,poem, etc...) into a publisher's office, muchless on their desk.
I do know this; there is "NO" one solution to help an unkown writer, to become known. Some hire an agent to do the "leg-work" for them, while others try the alternate route: printing numerous copies of their work and sending it to every publisher that does publish the types of work(book, poem, etc...) that the writer has written about.
The only true advice that I can give you is to: Never become discouraged from the "rejection" of your work. Be persistant in your dream, even if it means entering writing contests in your area, region, just for fun. Saving a $1.00 a wk. to use for your "passion" of writing. Looking into jobs that allow you to write, magazines, local paper, schools, local gov, etc.... at little or no pay, except for experience and exposure(your name). Finally, never give up, and keep your passion alive and strong in your heart!
Stay determined in your dream, and eventually an "avenue" will open up for you....
Good Luck, with your dream!!

Answer 5

I'm in the same boat as you. But it hasn't stopped me from writing.

The Age of the Internet has made it so that getting published is much easier and less expensive for the average writer/author.

But getting your name out is less important these days, if you don't have a well written book.

Most people dream of seeing their name in lights, but few people get there.

The only thing I can suggest for you is to keep promoting yourself as an author and person. Keep advertising on a progressive scale.

You'll eventually get there.

Answer 6

There is a pretty good book called 'The Well Fed Writer', which explores not just writing, but the business of writing. I highly recommend it. Still in the stores I think.

Answer 7

Most importantly you need blank paper and then, just start writing. That's not a joke. The hardest part is to start. Then just write anything, don't edit yourself.

Write about what you know. Don't worry about what people think.

Answer 8

I once pursued this avenue and, sadly to say, I never took up the reins. Hope you have better luck with the link below.

Answer 9

just do what that one chick did and insult teh widows and survivors of 9-11. Then they'll flash your face all over the news. it works

Answer 10

You haven't mentioned what you write. Non-fiction, short stories, commerical/business, technical or medical, academic texts, journalism, poetry, novels, children's stories or books, scripts...
I wouldn't know what advice to give unless I knew where /what your focus was.