How can I begin toward a writing career?

Question

I have always wanted to write, and I'm wondering what viable area I should start pursuing, so that eventually I can earn a living doing it?

I'm 44, and SO frustrated that I hate every job I get. I don't like clerical, though that's what I'm trained to do. I'm discouraged by the job boards and help wanteds. I make $12/hr part time, but the only jobs I find for a non-college grad pay far less than that. Any ideas? I have two kids, get no child support after a 17-year marriage ended. I want to get a house, and move forward, but can't get past the job prospects. Owned a business for 17 yrs, have strong clerical skills. I don't know. I just feel very alone, and wish I could talk to someone who could guide me. Thanks for listening. Not trying to whine. Just letting off some steam.

J

Answer 1

Since you have a flair for writing and have clerical training, you may think of taking up Technical Writing or Proof Reading. Of course, you will have to undergo a small training. But the job will be interesting and it may pay you well also.

Answer 2

I have a good idea. I am a professional writer...technical and business. It is my opinion that a degree in some writing field will probably NOT get you any further than your own experience.

The first thing you should do is re-write your resume. Actually, I'm willing to help you with that. Simply play up any writing experience you have. Call your administrative/grammar/editing skills "writing skills." Use the word "documentation" heavily.

Then do a search on those same job boards for "technical writer." The MINIMUM hourly wage you should find is $30/hr, and I would say that is pretty low. I earn $65 an hour as a consultant. I do have more than 15 years of professional writing experience, so that is very high, but you should be able to start at a relavitely "experienced" level as well.

Write me if you have any questions. If you can use the necessary tools (i.e., MS Word) you should be a good candidate for technical writing jobs. You may still be bored, but you will make a lot more money.

Answer 3

If you are interested in freelance writing,then many companies like Cyber edit,Constant Content,Essay Writers,etc pay good money for writing articles, proofreading, editing etc. A list of companies and more information on home based jobs without any kind of investment is available at http://tinyurl.com/qrnfe

Answer 4

Now that we know what you hate, what do you like to do? What was the business? Did you like that? What happened to it?

What kind of writing? Kids books? Books on the type of business you were in? Advertising?

Network is the key word. Who do you know and who do they know. Write down on a piece of paper what you want to do, get your ideas firmed up. Then spread the word. Make an appointment with your hairdresser and talk yourself up. Leave a card and see who they know. Who were your contacts in your business?

Answer 5

here in australia we've got this college called thomson education direct and they are in other countries as well.
they offer you courses to study in your own home and are very affordable
they've got plenty of writing courses and things that make you ready for employment.
the courses dont take that long either.. and the more time u put in it the sooner its done.
i dont know where you're from but try www.thomsoneducationdirect.com/