Is being a writer a realistic goal for a junior in high school?

Question

My English teacher doesn't think so. Although she thinks I'm talented and, I have a gift with words she believes it is extremely hard to be a writer. It is very discouraging but, I don't need her to believe in me. I believe in myself and that if you want something bad enough you can make it happen. There is nothing I want more than to write books. I've written one actually. It's a mystery. Since my teacher said that though I've sort of given up on it. I don't really know why her opinion means so much to me. Am I chasing crazy dreams? Have I been unrealistic? Is my teacher right? Some advice please.

Answer 1

you are not being unrealistic at all! You could get a job in a newspaper or magazine while you are using your talents to write a book. There are many things you can do to utilize your talents. Don't EVER let anyone knock you down if you know you were born for it. You do need to understand though that you can't just expect to write a book and be a millionaire. It doesn't work that way. I'm sure the most famous writers had a day job at the beginning of their writing carrer. lol good luck to you, and don't give up just b/c someone doesn't believe in you.

Answer 2

I’m a junior in high school, and I write books. I’ve already written three novels, and I’m almost finished with my fourth. I also write children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. So, no, I don’t think your goal is unrealistic. Anyone who writes is, by definition, a writer. So, just start writing. Think of an idea and go with it. It will be good practice if it does not get published and very rewarding if it does. What do you have to lose? You are still a kid. You don’t need to worry about selling your novel so that you can eat. You have time to perfect your work, and if it doesn’t get published, that’s okay. You won’t go to the poorhouse. So, just go on and write! Most of the best authors started writing stories when they were young.
PS
Your teacher has no right to discourage your dreams. Roadl Dahl was branded as practically illiterate when he was in school. His work is read all over the world today! He’s one of the most popular authors of all time! (“Hey teacher! Leave those kids alone!” Heh-heh.)

Answer 3

No being a writer is not unrealistic, but maybe your perceptions of it are. I think your teacher is trying to just make you work harder and really try to understand what it is all about. It is extremely rare that an extremely talented high-schooler comes along with a best-seller so young. But stick with it and keep refining your talent. Make sure you are really good, not just good in your own mind.
However, I must take exception to some of your statements. You are wrong to think that all you need to do is believe in yourself. Especially being a writer, artist, etc. The whole purpose is to get people to believe in you. That means that you have to persuade them in your craft that your way is better, or even the best. As a writer you are not going into a profession where you turn out a product that someone has to buy. They don't and if they don't believe in you and believe in your work, they won't buy it. You must either work harder with better writing, or somehow persuade them to believe in you or take a chance on you.
Most writers are not "novel writers" by profession. Most have other jobs. Many do journalism, copywriting, ad writing, public relations, communications, etc. or even other art forms to pay the bills. Even after their books do well, they still have to have other jobs for steady income.

Answer 4

I had a friend in high school that enjoyed writing and at 25, had his first novel published, so no, I don't think it's impossible.

But, having said that, he also wasn't a writer full time. He enlisted in the military, is now a firefighter and writes on the side. It can be difficult to make a full blown career out of it at first, so plan to have a "day job". All I wanted to do was write, but I let people get me down and have since abandoned it. It's a shame your teacher isn't supportive, but if you believe you have talent, stick with it.

I'd recommend going to college and studying either Journalism or English. Both can lead to jobs that will still let you use your skills, while still putting food on the table while you wait to get published.

JK Rowling was a single mom and a a secretary, and look what sticking with it did for her!!

Good luck.

Answer 5

Being a writer is a wonderful ambition no matter what your age.

I imagine the point the teacher was trying to make is that you can’t expect to graduate school, and then JUST write and earn a living.

I don’t know a single published author that didn’t work other jobs in the beginning (and they wrote at night until the wee hours of the morning). Most of them still work other jobs. The ones that don’t either have a spouse bringing in funds to the household, or if they’re single they earn just enough to pay their bills--and that was after years of consistently cranking out new books and building a fanbase.

DO NOT give up the dream, but be realistic with your expectations.

Answer 6

No not all.....it sounds like she's bitter and jaded. You know I am really beginning to dislike the public school system and the jack @sses that are teaching in them. What sort of teacher tells a talent student not to pursue a dream. My god, what has our educational system in the is country come too?

Don't listen to her. If you want to be a writer the be one...there's nothing in this world more powerful than the written word. Ppl are inspired daily by words....who knows you could be the next best author of this century!

Good Luck....and don't let some middle of the road, ignorant person ever stop you from goals.

Answer 7

Yes your goals are realistic, I was in grade four for crying out loud and I planned to pursue the visual arts when I reached adulthood. At grade four a snaught nosed little brat really isn't considered able to decide his future to that extent. If my goals were made at such a grade and attained in life then surely someone in junior high has the qualifications to do so as well. Your teacher is right it is hard. Don't expect to make a good living out of it but do expect to do it.Just because it's going to be hard darling doesn't mean you should abdicate your talents. You're not being unrealistic.

Answer 8

Don't let anyone deter you, esp. a teacher. She probably wanted to be a writer, but didn't have the stick-to-itness one needs to succeed.
Get books on how to get published, join a writers group ( they usually have publishers speak once a year.)
It takes a lot of determination. But anything worthwhile does. I know successful writers who got up to 100 rejection slips before their first book was published.
Also, in school get on the school paper, get a job doing anything at a local newspaper. Just get thoroughly involved in the writing atmosphere.
Sad to say, most teachers are people who failed in the tough real world. But that doesn't mean they aren't good teachers. Just don't expect them to know much about real life.

Answer 9

You be a writer! Don't ever let ANYONE discourage you from reaching your goals and realizing your dreams. She is wrong to be a teacher and tell you something like that. It could be jealousy because of your talent. Ignore what she's told you and continue to believe in yourself. YOU know what gifts you have so you take care of you!!! I support you and I don't even have to know you to do so. GOOD LUCK YOUNG MAN AND MUCH SUCCESS!!!!!!

Answer 10

I see absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be a writer. Pursue your dreams. Just my opinion....you should go to college and study English and Literature. This will give you a broader knowledge of the field you will be pursuing, and also, you will have a degree on which to help support you financially until you writing takes flight and you can do that full time. Most writers practically starve until they make it to the big time, so support yourself but DO go for your dreams! Can I have an autographed copy of your first published novel?