I've been told I'm a talented writer...now what?
HGMIV
Acolyte
Many people told me I am a talented writer. Even the author of a international best-selling book told me that I should write for a living. Of course my family has told me, and my girlfriend, but I feel they have a bias. Teachers have always said it, too. Currently I have a blog I'm working on and it's gotten great response from the few people that have read it, one being the author I mentioned above.
I would love to continue writing, and quite possibly make some money off of it. Obviously I won't be able to get money immediately, I would just like to start on the right track. I have no college degree, worked only retail, and have a child on the way, due in September. I really don't know how to apply my apparent "talent." Has anyone had any experience writing for a career, or at least know anything that can help me get going in the right direction?
I would love to continue writing, and quite possibly make some money off of it. Obviously I won't be able to get money immediately, I would just like to start on the right track. I have no college degree, worked only retail, and have a child on the way, due in September. I really don't know how to apply my apparent "talent." Has anyone had any experience writing for a career, or at least know anything that can help me get going in the right direction?
Comments
Except I've been told I'm a talented pianist.
Shame.
In fact that might be the biggest factor here, do you write fiction or non-fiction?
In reponse to my post I do mostly non fiction, but when I have the time and energy, I do fiction. Finished a piece on a post apocalyptic courier boy. Wrote it before I got Fallout New Vegas which was odd.
Odd indeed, still I have no experience with fiction, so I shall frolic onwards while searching feverishly for your blog....just in case.
Going back to HGMIV, well if your non-fiction is your strong point, I stick by my advice, approach local publications (newspapers, newsletters, magazines and the like...some places even have online publications that may be more likely to take a risk with you.) and ask them to read your stuff. Worst case scenario is failure, but if you keep going back they'll probably throw you one pity print, like a prostitute giving a lower rate to a meth addicted hobo midget....if you are in fact a meth addicted hobo midget just sell your life story.
I think you missed the point of my post. I'm not bragging. If anything, I don't have enough confidence in myself to believe any of this. Notice I said "I've been told I was" and "my apparent skill". I'm just relaying what people have said. I'm not bragging, I just want advice on how to utilize what I know.
Oh I know. It's nothing personal, I just wanted to post that picture of my cat really really badly.
I'll bear it in mind
Haha! That's great, you just made my day. I can tell from this post alone that you have a way with words; I would love to read your blog. Also your short story about the post apocalyptic courier boy sounds suspiciously similar to that movie The Postman. Word.
To the OP, I too have been told I'm a good writer. I'm studying psychology currently, but one of my lecturers told me I should pursue writing, which I've always had a passion for. I'm lucky because I'm still young and I have lots of time to develop my skills. I've decided that after I finish my degree I'm going to pursue a masters in creative writing. Even if I don't make something of myself at least I'll have a good time trying to accomplish something I love! I think that's the most important thing about writing, as long as your heart is in it and you keep practicing you should reach your goal. The advice I was given was to get used to publishing things for free at first, to get exposure, and to write as often as i can. I find that my blog is a great creative outlet and I look forward to writing in it every day. Writing shouldn't be a chore, it should flow from your fingertips. Maybe you can look into doing a short course in creative writing, or at the very least pick up a good book on writing. There are many open doors available, you just have to look harder and believe in yourself. Also, you should be very proud that an established author gave you props on your writing! Very few are as lucky as you to have received that boost in confidence, you should be proud of your writing ability! Post your blog, I would definitely read it. Also, why don't you ask this author for some direction? I'm sure his advice would blow your mind compared to what we have to offer you.
Yep, the project is underway. Soon Totse writers would start earning money.
This. Can we get an answer?
Id just practice and see what you enjoy and see where that takes you. I write well myself but mostly in essay form and I normally have to be really "into" what im writing, like i dont think i can just turn it on so whenever I had to write an essay I didnt care about it always came out shitty...