I loove to write?

Question

I love to write but I'm pretty young to be a "writer" (13) - how do I get there? I could post some examples of my stories...the one problem is I'm sort of shy about the whole thing, my parents don't even know that I've worked on several stories for a couple years. I don't know how exactly I got hooked into this, but since I was about 8 I feel in love with writing. If I am shy about people reading my stuff, how can I become a real writer some day if that is my path?

Answer 1

Defnitely don't be stressed about it. Most writers take years and years to publish their work, and at the age of thirteen you probably aren't at the top of your game yet (having said that, though, Gordan Korman published his first book at 13, so if you really want to go for it then don't be discouraged by your age).

There are three things I would suggest for you:

1. Keep writing. Write for the love of it. Write different things and in different styles. Read as much as you can.

2. Consider writing online (this will help the shyness factor because it's so anonymous!) You could try some freelancing, fanfiction, or even maintain a blog (you can check mine if you want -- it's http://carynswark.blogspot.com)

3. Go ahead and try submitting some short stories! There are a lot of magazines that specifically publish work by young people; I would target one of these instead of trying for a more adult-oriented publisher. Of course, there's no reason in the world you have to state your age in a cover letter...

I was about the same age as you when I started writing. I'm 28 now, and I've published some freelance work, etc., but nothing major. I've only just started dedicating a lot of time to my writing, though, and seriously trying to publish it. I don't regret waiting so long -- it took me this long to be accomplished enough to feel comfortable distributing my work, so I don't think you should feel any pressure to hurry.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hey, keep up the good work.

I am in my 30's and have written a lot of difeferent things. One of the hjardest things to learn to do is disconnect yourself from your writing.

When I went t owork at an ad agency I got ripped apart on everything I wrote. If I hadn't learned how to separate myself from what I wrote I would have had a nervous breakdown. Same thing goes for scripts that I have written. Some people love them, some people ahte them, others just don't care.

What you need to learn is how to say, ok, this is my writing and this is me. Yes, I created it, but your opinion of my writing doesn't relfect your opinion of me. As a matter of fact, It's more improtatnt that your are honest about my writing and what you do and do not like about it, then to just tell me it's great. Please tell me what you don't like so I can either fix it or defend it.

If you want to be a writer or any kind of artist you need to develop what's called a rhinocerous skin. That means that you have to be able to take the criticisms and keep going.

The ebst way I ahve found to do that is to relalize what I said above, and also to be more interested in doing what I am doing then be interested in what people think about what I ma doing.

You may be a brilliant writer now, you may be just good and love it. But whether you are fantastic or moderately talented just keep writing, because you will get better.

So, do it, because you like to do it. Show it to people if you want. But don't expect anything from them. If you get a good response ask them to be more critical, if you get a bad response ask them to be more specific. That way you will get better.

Good luck.

Answer 3

First of all, you shouldn't be shy. Every writer on the planet started where you are at. Unless you are a child prodigy, (and maybe you are) the first things you write are not going to be publishable. One tip I was told in order not to get my hopes up is to write 'Sh***y First Draft' at the top of my first draft in order to keep my head straight. It is a first draft and not expected to be very good, so I should give myself a break.

Beyond that, the best advice I have for you is to keep writing and read. Read everything you can get your hands on from all different genres. You can learn from any writer out there. Also, join a critique group. It's tough to get feedback, but it will make you a much stronger writer.

So, relax. You're young and have plenty of time to refine your craft until it is ready for publication. It's obvious you were meant to be a writer.

Answer 4

Im the exact same way! I think that you should write and keep doing it until you feel you really have accomplished something. Then get people's opinions. Even negative opinions can help your writing, and many times will. Use opinions, including your own, to become better and better. Start sending your writing to magazines, websites, anywhere, and work to get something published. Who knows? A famous writer might read it. And you might get yourself a career. Good Luck! = )

Answer 5

There's no reason to be that shy about posting what you've written online. There's a great website, www.writing.com, where you can get a free account and post stories that you have written.

Answer 6

I loove it too!

Look up the answers written by "Persiphone_Hellecat ". She has written reams in this forum on the ins and outs/dos and don't of writing and polishing.

Answer 7

hey, I love writing too. Just stick with it, doesnt matter if your young, you have better imagination, and even if your 13, you still have more talent than some adults.

Answer 8

im 12 in the same situation. just do it. The worst they can say is no. Nothing to be ashamed, just be carfeul about plagarism.

Answer 9

Just go for it!!