How do you be a writer?

Question

I am very interested in becoming a professional writer. I am only fifteen. Ive only had one essay published. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I would recommend reading as many books as possible in the genres that you like to write, as well as about the craft of writing. When you are reading other fiction books, pay attention to how the authors structure their work.

Here are some of my favorites about writing:
1) "Writing Down The Bones" by Natalie Goldberg
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card (if those are your genres, of course)
5) "On Writing" by Stephen King
6) "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty
7) "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss
8) "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White

Also, take a look at a few websites where authors gather. Some of them have very helpful articles and forums. Holly Lisle has a fantastic website that has articles on both the business and writing aspects:
http://hollylisle.com/fm/

Forward Motion is a wonderful, helpful community:
http://www.fmwriters.com/

Absolute Write is one of my favorite author communities, with a vast pool of resources and helpful people:
http://www.absolutewrite.com

Here are four websites that can help with the publishing process. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research! These can help you determine if the agent is legit or not:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com

Again, read Miss Snark. She has attitude, but is a real-life agent and her archives can answer any questions you possibly have. Read, read, read. When you pick up "Writer's Market" or "Guide to Literary Agents", don't just look at the listings, read them! Agent Query is going to be a great site for you to look at, because you can search a database of agents based on genre or other features.

Write every single day. Set a target for yourself. For instance, my goal right now is to write 1,000 words a day. I get this done before I go on the internet, read, watch TV, or goof around. To begin, maybe set an easier goal for yourself-- try 250 words each day. Write in a journal as well, if you feel so inclined!

Also, never forget how important it is to edit and rewrite! When you finish a short story or novel, I suggest setting it aside for a month. Don't look at it or think about it (if you can help it). Work on another project. Once that time has passed, go back and read what you wrote. Try to be objective-- are there parts that need to be expanded? Cut out? Rewritten? How is the grammar and spelling? Editing could (and should) take more time than the original draft!

The ideas really have to come from within you. We can give you all the ideas in the world, but if you aren't passionate about it then the novel won't end up being any good IF you even finish it. Write about what you love. The rest will come!

Answer 2

Offer to put some of your stories in the newspaper or ask your librarian at your school to let you know if she knows of any writing competitions. The more you get your stories out there, the more likely it is that you will run into the right people.

I'm a writer, too, and I know it's hard to get out there. But keep trying. Persitance is key. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I do not help asking different persons for suggestions simply since it is lazy (despite the fact that that's side of it). I feel the approach of making your possess suggestions - discovering them, inspecting different books or the arena or some thing - teaches you and makes you a bigger author so a lot more than taking different persons's plots will. Writing a tale is not all, it is usually having a deeper information of it subsequent time you do it. And I do not particularly think that obtaining plots from different persons with train you that.

Answer 4

I know this sounds simplistic, but you are a writer because you write. You will become a better writing by writing more and by reading more.

Find out your favorite kind of reading and writing, find magazines that are similar in style, and write for them.

It will be a frustrating experience in a lot of ways because most articles are rejected, but you keep writing and keep trying

Answer 5

Keep writing. When you have something you want published then start looking for an agent to assist you with obtaining a publishing contract. Until then, just write, write, write!

Answer 6

You're already leaps ahead of other people in your place then, just keep on writing, and keep on sending things out, you'll get there, you're obviously a good writer, all you need is dedication and hard work.

Answer 7

begin with reading 1st know how they made up books and stores try to use ur creation to learn more and draw da whole in ur brain den open up and write everything by details of time and personality's and circumstances

Answer 8

Just keep writing and experimenting. Hone your craft and skills as a confident storyteller as you go.