Is it too late to start?

Question

Here's the deal:
I really haven't had any big hobbies, nothing seemed to appeal to me. So I spent my afternoons wasting them with television. However, in English when we had to write, I really liked it. I decided to write some more, and really like writing. The problem is I am not that naturally talented of a writer, and I am already fifteen. Most people have been doing their major hobbies for years.

Also, I would feel embarassed to tell someone that, because a natural question that comes after it would be, "Oh? For how long?" and I don't really want to have to answer, "Umm...two weeks."

Opinions?

Thanks for the encouragement :-)

Answer 1

Just tell people you just found you like writing, and that you're excited about continuing it, even though you have just started. I doubt anyone is going to be nasty about it. Good for you!

And about "already" being fifteen, there are people who start hobbies in their 30's, 40's, 50's, and on up. So keep with it!

Answer 2

You said you like to write. And you really like when you write. And, last but not least...you do write. Therefore, you are a writer. Maybe you've always been a writer. I guess I started when I was about 12. I used to write way before that, poems & short stories, but that was when I wrote my first little book. I have read and written as far back as I can remember. But it took me until many, many years later to write and get published books. And, you don't have to get anything published to be a writer. When I was in 10th grade, we had to write an essay on the regents exam...I actually got it published a few years later. Now THAT was weird. When I write things, I go back and read them over, and fix them, and read them again and fix them some more again...I don't even keyboard stuff--I write on paper FIRST and then type it. So, 15 sounds about a good time to write. Just hang out wherever with a notebook or something, write words that come into your mind, sentences, doodle, whatever. Something won't come to you all the time, but most of the time, before you realize it, you've got something going. So, how long have you been a writer? I dunno. A while? Forever, I think? A long time...I just didn't realize it until I fell into it? Just because you didn't give it words before doesnt mean you only became a writer 2 weeks ago. All best of luck.

Answer 3

No, it is not too late. Don't worry about what other people think. Being a writer is an excellent career choice. Write as much as you can. Keep all your writing. Someday you will be glad you did. When you get to college, take as many writing courses as you can to help you. Write and re-write your material. Write all kinds of things: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, songs, journals, new stories.
And read as much as possible. Study the styles of the writers you like best. Notice how they use words. Learn from them.
Best wishes to you!
you are quite possibly a future best-selling author!

Answer 4

Go for it. Writing is different from most hobbies, you don't usually figure out that you actually like it until later. If someone asks you how long you've been writing, just say, "Well, I just discovered that I like it, so not for long...But I'm really into it."

Good luck, and I hope you succeed!

Answer 5

No, fifteen isn't too late to start, I started writing for fun in high school too. When you hit your college years, be sure to take some writing classes on the side to help you improve. I know it's a lot of work but, who knows, I may see some of your stuff in print someday!

Answer 6

Dopp:
Never to late! I started at age 63. Wrote two books and working on third. could not spell and along came the computer. Bingo, I'm an author.
Wayne Russell The Vagabond Writer

Answer 7

Correction: you're only fifteen. You know, everyone wants to find beauty in life. If you find it through writing, then there should be nothing that should keep you down. Go for it. You have the rest of your life to improve. I love writing too. If it's something you like to do than do it!

Answer 8

Well if someone asks you about your writing, just tell them that you recently discovered that you are fond of it and want to pursue it further and develop your skills. There is no need to be embarrassed.

Besides, 15 years old is not late at all to start any hobby. There are people that start things at the age of 30 and flourish in whatever they love learning about that makes them happy. Go for it!

Answer 9

You have time yet. I didn't start writing seriously until I was thirteen. As to what do you tell people for how long just tell them it's felt like forever.

And as to not being a good writer...just let it come to you. If your head tells you to write "nose picking for dwarves" than write and tweak it later. don't worry you'll get there!

Answer 10

If you give up now, what then? Keep going. Then just say "I just started". That's what I say when I find a hobby that I pick up on very quickly. If you like it, keep writing until it comes naturally. Observe the world around you, think, challenge traditional ideals about humanity, watch human interaction and emotion. Anything goes.