Becoming an Author?

Question

I'm in high school, and I absolutely love writing. I feel I have talent in English, and I especially enjoy creative writing. I've already started writing down different ideas for a future novel with a group of consistent characters. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could one day pursue a career as an author? Does anyone have any advice, tips, or insight that might be helpful? How difficult is it to get a book published? Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

I actually entertained thoughts of this myself. I even wrote a children's book that I read to my own kids. You can buy a book which is about publishing the type of novel you are writing. I had Guide to Children's Book Publishing. They update them every few years. I included some links at the bottom of the page as well. I say to you, go for it. I wrote the book for my kids and started a fiction novel and never went anywhere with it. I do sometimes regret not having the confidence to go through with it. Good luck and I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Answer 2

I don't know about 'career' that implies you hope to make money out of it? I heard a little story once about two guys talking in a bar, one asked the other what he dd for a living, the guy replied that he was an author! The first guy said "OK but what do you do for a living"?
If you really want to write and publish a book go for it, and the same applies to 'Michele A' but don't have fantasies about 'film rights' and 'best sellers' or making loads of money. Start by doing it for your own pleasure, then start on the rounds of sending it out to publishers, (a very long job) !
If you really want to do it you can do it, At the end of the day you can even pay to have it published yourself. at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have a written and published book (all your own work)! Go for it.

Answer 3

My advice is to just write. Pick a plot line, outline it (or not) and try to expand on it until it is interesting and as novel-length as you wish it to be. If you can hang on that long (till you've finished it), and can revise it (and get others to give you advice) without giving up, THEN try to get it published. I've heard that publishing can be many different ways- some people take forever to get their book even considered, and others only take a few months. And I've also heard that publishing companies are very interested in young authors, so that might be good for you, assuming that you end up finishing before you graduate high school.

Answer 4

Continue with your education!! There are a lot of really great universities and colleges with excellent programs for the aspiring writer. Check out the magazine called The Writer, or Writers' Journal. They have contests you can participate in and exercises to try. Keep an idea book. Write down ideas for stories, characters, locations, whatever. Try to get into the habit of adding to it on a schedule as well as when ever the idea strikes. I can't tell you how to get published, I'm still learning about that...There is a lot more to it than just the story you have to tell. What ever your goal is start small and don't loose sight of it. I loved writing when I was in high school as well, and life side-tracked me for 25 years! Now I am back on track and loving every minute of learning and writing I do. Good Luck...maybe someday both our names will be in print!!