I think i'm a born writer, but what do i do.?

Question

I can write a poem or story in five seconds flat about anything anywhere, it just comes out of me. I would love to take it further and perhaps publish a story or poem as my room is fillled and overfloeing with boxes filled with all my words and mostly poetry. has anyone got any suggestions, I'm 19 and have finished all my studies.

Answer 1

Not to discourage you, because I like your enthusiasm, but though you may be born with "natural talent" however you probably need to explore how to refine that talent. Poetry, novels, short stories all employ literary devices and conventions. Even if you "color outside the lines" you still need to know what the lines are and how they work.

You may want to pick up a couple of books to read and help guide you. There's a book just recently out by Lola Haskins, Not Feathers Yet which is an excellent book that addresses several issues about publishing (how and where), and exercises, also tips about getting feedback and other useful stuff. The other book I would recommend picking up is the Poet's Market. The front section has a lot of information about putting together submissions, there's a lot of publisher information, and insights about the poetry publishing world.

19 seems early to be out of college, but if writing is what you are really passionate about, then you might consider a Masters. Find a good program that exposes you to the whole of literature, meaning it will not only focus on poetry, but will require you to write fiction and/or nonfiction.


Do well.

Answer 2

I would suggest furthering your studies and continuing an education in Literature and English or perhaps Creative Writing. Doing so will open countless doors for you into the writer's world. Also, check out www.writerscafe.com and consider sharing your work in order to get a general idea of what other writers think and also to read the work of others. There are numerous internet sites which are always looking for poetry and have information as to poetry contests readily available as well. Good luck :)

Answer 3

I don't know anyone making a living as a poet. I dated a girl who published a book but she wasn't making a living with it.

I would recommend writing poetry for fun and try to get published. I would consider it fun and a hobby. If you do make some money at it great!! At the same time try and finish your degree in english.

I work as a technical writer but that is not the same in any way. Creativity is not appreciated here. The biggest difference is It does pay the bills; and you need a degree.

Answer 4

Hannah.... Agree with Elaine P....get yourself the mag "Writers Market" or the Poetry one.... These have addresses of every mag or publisher wanting poetry...plus, will give you all the info needed at each individual place about type of content wanted, season wanted, what they will pay, length, etc. This goes for those whom want to write short stories and so on too. :)

You might consider doing children's books or something of that sort.....or write for Hallmark or other card companies...

Fact is....there's billions of Poetry Writers.... very few see their stuff in print, much less getting paid anything for it.

BIGGER "Fact".... it is up to each individual to go the extra thousand miles (lol) to find a market for their crafts/art.... That may mean spending more money on postage, ink, paper, etc.,. then you will make for awhile. :)

People of the Arts of this type are rarely "discovered" lol... it is all up to the Artist to push their wares! (and you have to have a thick skin to accept the refusals and critique that you will receive) :)

So, investing in the mag Elaine P and I are suggesting may be your best expenditure and source to start out with!

Peace be with you :)

***P.S.....agree with others above.... study Poetry and READ READ READ!!!! :)

Answer 5

Go to college dear and continue your studies in English and creative writing. you can only better yourself and at the same time meet the right teacher that can introduce you to the right publishers...
keep writing
i would love to see some of your work...
my daughter is very artistic as well as she can draw,paint and write like a dream...
she will be starting her higher education classes here in Australia in Feb 08. art appreciation and all that goes with it. then off to uni the next year for classes on teaching art and English...
she loves shake spear..and she just turned 19 this month...
good luck with your writing and hope to see your first book out soon.
cheers
Jo

Answer 6

What do you mean "finished my studies"? Why don't you go to college and get a degree in Literature and Writing. Then, use the input of your professors to improve your technique, and keep submitting samples to every magazine and publisher you can.
There's no other way. PS: Get a PC - no use having all those pieces of paper sitting around. Input them all into your PC, then keep the papers in a box or something.

Answer 7

You certainly cannot be done at 19... there is SO much to learn as a writer - even a gifted one.
Get back into school and get a rounded education so that you can be am interesting writer, and work on your craft. It takes years. There are many writer's clubs and organizations available on college campuses - that is probably where you need to be.

Answer 8

as you have written you can write a poem in five seconds,if you are being sincere i ll advise you to take it up as a career,you could make heads of money without knowing it,it does not matter whether you have finished schooling or not. God gave you a great talent if you don`t know,grab it and don`t let your memory fail you

Answer 9

You say "[I] have finished all my studies," you want to be a writer, yet you can't spell "overflowing" (you've spelled it "overfloeing" for some reason). This is just one concrete piece of evidence supporting your need for more education. Professional writers don't just poop out something and get paid for it!

Answer 10

First, read - read all the time, everywhere - read anything and everything saucebottles, manuals, novels, poetry, newspapers, philosophy, science fiction - anything. Every good writer has always been an indefatigable reader.