How do i know if i can write?

Question

How do i know if im any good at writing? Im 12, like to write. and cant ever finish a story. by 14 i hope i can get a book published. any advice?

Answer 1

That's a lofty goal, published by the age of fourteen. I admire your passion.

To achieve that goal, start writing every day. Even if it's as little as one sentence. Take writing courses when you can, at school, in community ed or online. And read. A LOT. The best writers are also prolific readers.

With practice you'll hone your writing skills and be able to finish stories. And don't be lazy about spelling, grammar and capitalization - demonstrate your professionalism NOW by taking every bit of your writing seriously. Even when posting questions at Yahoo. Good luck.

Answer 2

You don't. And you'll probably doubt yourself your entire career. You just have to get over it and write for you. You will never know how it will effect others. Don't have expectations. When people read what you write, they'll sense the lack of confidence.
The absolutely best way to get better is to practice.
Otherwise, (especially if you aren't very social) you can read writing help books. I've found some really helpful stuff. Or if that's too uncool for you, there are magazines you can subscribe to.
By the way, I have trouble finishing stories too. I once read something that helped a lot. It was a story about a rose that this girl got for her birthday and wanted to keep forever, so she put it in a safe and locked it up. Of course, roses wilt and die, so when she opened it a year later, that's what she found. The author compared the rose to ideas. As soon as you have an idea, write, don't wait because then all of the details and underlying general care for the idea will be gone.
Anyway, don't pressure yourself. If you love writing, write. If you love it enough, other people will too.

Answer 3

LOL ... odds are very slim you will have a book published in 2 years. Write - write and write. Find some friends to be
Beta readers and tell you how your stories are. Find a teacher to be a mentor. Then join Absolute Write Water Cooler forum and participate. People there will crit you if you ask nicely. You can also talk to other young authors. Then buy a copy of Writers Market - even if its a used copy online. Read and learn about the publishing business. It is very very difficult to break into. Lastly READ CLASSICS - in fact read EVERYTHING! I have never read a book that hasnt taught me something - either positive or negative - about writing. Being a voracious reader helps make one a better writer. Trust me - it works.

Lastyly - let me look into my creative writing crystal ball (yes I have one) and tell you why you cannot finish a story...

1) You are trying to write in someone else's voice instead of your own. Get a tape recorder. TELL me a story. Then write it down. Writing is talking on paper. You probably dont talk like JK Rowling or Hemingway - so dont try to write like them. Write like YOU

2) You arent writing about what you KNOW. Start by writing about things you know. Most kids start with fantasy and that is a hard place to start. Start with stories about your family, friends etc. You will be finishing stories in no time.

3) Try writing prompts and exercises. Allow me to give you one I give to my creative writing students. Get a book of art. I prefer Norman Rockwell but any painting will do. Remember the old expression "A picture tells a thousand words?" Look at that picture and write me a story about what is going on in it. Feel free to send it to me if you want. These little exercises will help you grow as a writer. Good luck C.

Answer 4

Well, if you never finish a story it doesnt matter if you are good at writing. You have to make that committment to see the story through to the end. There are litterally millions unfinished manuscripts on peoples shelves, some of which have been gathering dust for 20 years or more. Most people give up after getting to page 50.

Answer 5

Take some writing classes or ask an english teacher for advice

Answer 6

Please post a sample of some of your writing on here as another question. That way, the Yahoo! Answers community can really get a taste for your writing, and help to give feedback as to your writing skills, and how to improve. I cant really answer your question if I cant see any of your writing. Please post!