What do I during highschool, and throughout college to work on a writing career?

Question

I want to become a writer after high school. I want to know what to do after high school, like: what do I major in in college, what do I do in highschool to become a writer. I mostly want to do journalism. How do I start from here?

Answer 1

Join the school newspaper staff and the yearbook staff.

Answer 2

What kind of writing do you wish to do?

If you want to write fiction, then taking creative writing in high school and a creative writing major in college is the way to go, but don't wait until then just start writing now. Write about anything that interests you. (In a typical college writing class you: read and discuss different types of writing, you get assigned topics you write about and then the prof. and other students critique it and, finally, you critique other student's work---it is all basic stuff just like in high school English.)

If you want to write technical non-fiction, then english and whatever subject(s) you want to write about is the way to go so that you can have the expertise and credibility it requires.

If you want to write news stories for the newspaper or magazines: straight news, features, editorials, sports, etc, then Journalism--high school and college newspapers--journalism or communications major is the way to go. You need to learn the news world jargon and the legalities of writing the news. When it comes to journalistic writing, you could also get in touch with the editor(s) at your local paper and ask about submitting news stories. In addition to newpapers, many high schools and colleges also have literary magazines you can write for.

While it is true that writing is pretty basic, each type of writing still has its own style and feel and "rules."

The second thing you need to do is just write. Do some brainstorming. Pick a subject that interests you and then write something about it. Have someone read it and tell you what they think. It is that simple.

The third thing you need to do is read. Read the types of writing you wish to do, be it literature, science fiction, historical, computers..whatever. Take written and mental notes of what you like about the pieces you read and what you don't like.

Barnes and Noble does a free on-line university (not degreed--just for personal enrichment really) that sometimes does "classes" on writing, literature, and things concerning the "writing life" check it out. You buy the book and read along just like in a class, you get assignments and feedback from the class instructor. What you get out of it is really up to you.

Oh yeah, in college you could also look into work studies doing writing tutoring where you help others write. As a tutor you would offer grammatical, subject, and research advice. You would also critique the student's work. Sometimes it does really help you master a subject better when you help someone else learn how to do it.

Now,....go break a pencil.

Answer 3

First and foremost, you should write, show people around you your writing and whenever you get discouraged, remind yourself why you are doing it. Also, get involved in journalism through your school by becoming a reporter, or editor for your school newspaper, you can also call up your local newspaper and ask them how to submit articles about local or campus events and they might even pay you for as a freelance writer at like 50-100 dollars an article.
You can put all that you have done on your resume and hope that you get in a good writing school like Brown University. Also, keep submitting any work you think worthy to publishers to look over...you never know you might be published sooner than you think.

Answer 4

It takes discipline, but the way to learn to write is to set aside 30-60 min. EVERY SINGLE DAY, probably in the early morning, and WRITE. Whether you are writing a diary, an essay, an article on something that interests you, a description of the view from your window, anything. Then take writing related classes to get direction/correction (and love correction, it is the true education). But get moving and keep moving. It is much easier to steer a moving object. You have my very best wishes.

Answer 5

Take English classes. Harder ones are better. Keep a journal. Work on building an arguement that is water proof (syllogistic or enthymenes are very useful). Try to work on writing with style. And, above all, read, read, and read.

Answer 6

Major in journalism.