11 answers
Savion
Student
Chandler, Arizona
7
Questions
Asked
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What are the difficulties you have to go through to be a writer?
What should I do and what are the difficulties to become a write.
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11 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Savion,
Embarking on a writing journey can be fulfilling yet demanding. Here are some potential hurdles you might face and strategies to conquer them:
1. Discovering your unique voice and style: Cultivating a distinctive voice and style requires patience and practice. Broaden your reading scope and dabble with various writing styles to uncover your voice. Embrace the unknown and venture into new territories.
2. Tackling writer’s block: Writer’s block can pose a considerable challenge. Combat it by adhering to a writing timetable, dividing your project into manageable chunks, or modifying your surroundings. Taking a break and revisiting your work with a fresh perspective can also be beneficial.
3. Creating a writing routine: A regular writing routine can boost your productivity and facilitate progress. Sticking to a routine can be tough, especially with other obligations. For a fruitful writing routine, set explicit objectives, designate a specific writing area, and devise a timetable that suits you.
4. Handling criticism: Criticism can be tough to swallow, but it's an unavoidable aspect of writing. Treat criticism as a chance to learn and develop. Take a moment to ponder the feedback and use it to refine your writing.
5. Allocating time for writing: Carving out time for writing can be tricky, especially with a packed schedule. Prioritize writing and make it an indispensable part of your routine. Consider waking up earlier or staying up later to accommodate writing sessions.
6. Cultivating an audience: Attracting readers requires time and effort. Promote your work on social platforms, join online writing groups, and interact with your audience by replying to comments and messages.
7. Coping with rejection: Rejection is a shared experience among writers. Maintain a positive outlook and keep things in perspective to handle rejection. Remember, rejection is subjective, and a single person's dislike for your work doesn't equate to universal disapproval. Keep submitting your work and never surrender.
8. Earning a living as a writer: Earning a livelihood from writing can be tough, especially at the outset of your career. To enhance your chances of success, consider freelancing or securing a part-time job that accommodates writing. Explore grants, fellowships, and other financial aid opportunities.
In conclusion, the path to becoming a writer is strewn with challenges like discovering your voice and style, tackling writer’s block, creating a writing routine, handling criticism, allocating time for writing, cultivating an audience, coping with rejection, and earning a living as a writer. By staying dedicated, weathering the storms, and continuously evolving as a writer, you can surmount these challenges and thrive in your writing career.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Embarking on a writing journey can be fulfilling yet demanding. Here are some potential hurdles you might face and strategies to conquer them:
1. Discovering your unique voice and style: Cultivating a distinctive voice and style requires patience and practice. Broaden your reading scope and dabble with various writing styles to uncover your voice. Embrace the unknown and venture into new territories.
2. Tackling writer’s block: Writer’s block can pose a considerable challenge. Combat it by adhering to a writing timetable, dividing your project into manageable chunks, or modifying your surroundings. Taking a break and revisiting your work with a fresh perspective can also be beneficial.
3. Creating a writing routine: A regular writing routine can boost your productivity and facilitate progress. Sticking to a routine can be tough, especially with other obligations. For a fruitful writing routine, set explicit objectives, designate a specific writing area, and devise a timetable that suits you.
4. Handling criticism: Criticism can be tough to swallow, but it's an unavoidable aspect of writing. Treat criticism as a chance to learn and develop. Take a moment to ponder the feedback and use it to refine your writing.
5. Allocating time for writing: Carving out time for writing can be tricky, especially with a packed schedule. Prioritize writing and make it an indispensable part of your routine. Consider waking up earlier or staying up later to accommodate writing sessions.
6. Cultivating an audience: Attracting readers requires time and effort. Promote your work on social platforms, join online writing groups, and interact with your audience by replying to comments and messages.
7. Coping with rejection: Rejection is a shared experience among writers. Maintain a positive outlook and keep things in perspective to handle rejection. Remember, rejection is subjective, and a single person's dislike for your work doesn't equate to universal disapproval. Keep submitting your work and never surrender.
8. Earning a living as a writer: Earning a livelihood from writing can be tough, especially at the outset of your career. To enhance your chances of success, consider freelancing or securing a part-time job that accommodates writing. Explore grants, fellowships, and other financial aid opportunities.
In conclusion, the path to becoming a writer is strewn with challenges like discovering your voice and style, tackling writer’s block, creating a writing routine, handling criticism, allocating time for writing, cultivating an audience, coping with rejection, and earning a living as a writer. By staying dedicated, weathering the storms, and continuously evolving as a writer, you can surmount these challenges and thrive in your writing career.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
50
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Have you got a few days for the answer? In all seriousness though, if writing is your passion, the truth is that it won't be difficult to write. What will be difficult is to get the attention of your desired readers. Keeping their attention is even harder since it demands that you give them just enough of what they want so that they don't move on to the next big attraction, which is what people do quite often.
Keep in mind, that's if writing is your passion. If it's a hobby, keep it as a hobby. If it's for work, then find your niche and stick with it.
But if writing is your passion and what you want to do in life, then there will always be difficulties that crop up, and they'll range from minor inconveniences to major issues that need to be addressed.
The point here is that like any profession, writing does come with difficulties. You know that old saying "if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life"? It's true enough, but it's also a bit naive in some cases, like now.
Writing is fun, it's creative, it's a chance to let your mind wander and see where it will take you, but at the end of the day, it's also a way to practice your mental stability, your ability to memorize, research, think critically, and practice all the mental acrobatics that many people don't have the patience or comprehension for. As a writer your skills have the capacity to touch an amazing number of people and tenets of life, and here's the biggest part to remember: it's all based on the limits of your skill, and imagination. The latter has no limit if you let it flow, but the former, well, that's where the difficulty comes in, because writing IS a skill, and even if it's natural, it's one that has to be honed, refined, tested, and then broken down occasionally and built up again. Therein lies one of the many difficulties, learning that no matter what, being able to learn and admit that you don't know everything is the life of a writer.
So, in a sense, the biggest difficulty is writing itself, and discovering how to roll with, learn with, and evolve within, the very nature of what writing is. But, like always, I'll end with my favorite saying, and one of the core concepts I live by.
Just write.
Keep in mind, that's if writing is your passion. If it's a hobby, keep it as a hobby. If it's for work, then find your niche and stick with it.
But if writing is your passion and what you want to do in life, then there will always be difficulties that crop up, and they'll range from minor inconveniences to major issues that need to be addressed.
The point here is that like any profession, writing does come with difficulties. You know that old saying "if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life"? It's true enough, but it's also a bit naive in some cases, like now.
Writing is fun, it's creative, it's a chance to let your mind wander and see where it will take you, but at the end of the day, it's also a way to practice your mental stability, your ability to memorize, research, think critically, and practice all the mental acrobatics that many people don't have the patience or comprehension for. As a writer your skills have the capacity to touch an amazing number of people and tenets of life, and here's the biggest part to remember: it's all based on the limits of your skill, and imagination. The latter has no limit if you let it flow, but the former, well, that's where the difficulty comes in, because writing IS a skill, and even if it's natural, it's one that has to be honed, refined, tested, and then broken down occasionally and built up again. Therein lies one of the many difficulties, learning that no matter what, being able to learn and admit that you don't know everything is the life of a writer.
So, in a sense, the biggest difficulty is writing itself, and discovering how to roll with, learn with, and evolve within, the very nature of what writing is. But, like always, I'll end with my favorite saying, and one of the core concepts I live by.
Just write.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Savion,
Overcoming Obstacles in Writing:
Embarking on a writing career, be it in journalism or other writing fields, is not without its hurdles. Here are some common issues writers often grapple with:
Hitting a Creative Wall: A frequent stumbling block for writers is the dreaded writer's block, where the flow of ideas or the right words to articulate thoughts seem elusive.
Facing Rejection and Critique: Writers often experience rejection from publishers, editors, or readers, which can be disheartening. Navigating through criticism and feedback can be a tough part of the writing journey.
Juggling Time: Striking a balance between writing and other commitments can be tricky. Consistently finding time to write and meeting deadlines can pose a significant challenge for many writers.
Battling Self-Doubt: It's not uncommon for writers to grapple with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, questioning their competence and the quality of their work.
Financial Uncertainty: Writing, particularly at the outset, may not always be a profitable career. Writers may face financial instability and unpredictability regarding their income.
Feeling Isolated: Writing is often a solitary endeavor, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and seclusion. Establishing a support network and finding ways to connect with other writers can be a tough task.
Pathway to Becoming a Writer:
If you're aiming to become a writer in journalism or any other field, here are some proactive steps:
Hone Your Writing Skills: Regularly practice writing to enhance your skills. Consider enrolling in writing courses or workshops to refine your craft.
Broaden Your Reading: Reading a diverse range of genres and styles can aid in developing your unique voice as a writer and broaden your knowledge.
Create a Portfolio: Begin creating a portfolio of your work by writing for blogs, websites, or local publications. Having writing samples is crucial when seeking opportunities in journalism.
Network: Forge connections with other writers, editors, and industry professionals. Networking can provide insights about job opportunities and can be a stepping stone in your career.
Embrace Feedback: Be receptive to feedback from peers, mentors, or writing groups. Constructive criticism can be instrumental in enhancing your writing skills.
Persistence: Achieving success as a writer requires time and perseverance. Keep writing, submitting your work, and learning from rejections.
By tackling these obstacles and adhering to these steps, you can strive towards realizing your dream of becoming a writer in journalism or any other writing field.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The New York Times: Known for its top-notch journalism, The New York Times provides comprehensive coverage on various topics related to writing and publishing.
Writer’s Digest: A reliable resource for writers aiming to enhance their craft, Writer’s Digest offers articles, tips, and advice on all aspects of writing.
The Guardian: A respected news platform, The Guardian covers topics related to journalism, writing, and the publishing industry, offering insightful articles and resources for budding writers.
These sources were referred to ensure the provision of accurate and trustworthy information on the obstacles writers face and steps to become a successful writer in journalism or any other writing domain.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Overcoming Obstacles in Writing:
Embarking on a writing career, be it in journalism or other writing fields, is not without its hurdles. Here are some common issues writers often grapple with:
Hitting a Creative Wall: A frequent stumbling block for writers is the dreaded writer's block, where the flow of ideas or the right words to articulate thoughts seem elusive.
Facing Rejection and Critique: Writers often experience rejection from publishers, editors, or readers, which can be disheartening. Navigating through criticism and feedback can be a tough part of the writing journey.
Juggling Time: Striking a balance between writing and other commitments can be tricky. Consistently finding time to write and meeting deadlines can pose a significant challenge for many writers.
Battling Self-Doubt: It's not uncommon for writers to grapple with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, questioning their competence and the quality of their work.
Financial Uncertainty: Writing, particularly at the outset, may not always be a profitable career. Writers may face financial instability and unpredictability regarding their income.
Feeling Isolated: Writing is often a solitary endeavor, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and seclusion. Establishing a support network and finding ways to connect with other writers can be a tough task.
Pathway to Becoming a Writer:
If you're aiming to become a writer in journalism or any other field, here are some proactive steps:
Hone Your Writing Skills: Regularly practice writing to enhance your skills. Consider enrolling in writing courses or workshops to refine your craft.
Broaden Your Reading: Reading a diverse range of genres and styles can aid in developing your unique voice as a writer and broaden your knowledge.
Create a Portfolio: Begin creating a portfolio of your work by writing for blogs, websites, or local publications. Having writing samples is crucial when seeking opportunities in journalism.
Network: Forge connections with other writers, editors, and industry professionals. Networking can provide insights about job opportunities and can be a stepping stone in your career.
Embrace Feedback: Be receptive to feedback from peers, mentors, or writing groups. Constructive criticism can be instrumental in enhancing your writing skills.
Persistence: Achieving success as a writer requires time and perseverance. Keep writing, submitting your work, and learning from rejections.
By tackling these obstacles and adhering to these steps, you can strive towards realizing your dream of becoming a writer in journalism or any other writing field.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The New York Times: Known for its top-notch journalism, The New York Times provides comprehensive coverage on various topics related to writing and publishing.
Writer’s Digest: A reliable resource for writers aiming to enhance their craft, Writer’s Digest offers articles, tips, and advice on all aspects of writing.
The Guardian: A respected news platform, The Guardian covers topics related to journalism, writing, and the publishing industry, offering insightful articles and resources for budding writers.
These sources were referred to ensure the provision of accurate and trustworthy information on the obstacles writers face and steps to become a successful writer in journalism or any other writing domain.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Savior
To become a writer, you need to have and develop your writing skills, creative abilities, and infinite imagination to form literary characters. First of all, if you feel that writing career is right for you, then go for it, and no matter the difficulties. Anyway, besides the writing talent and studiousness, you will also need to have the necessary financial and commercial means to promote yourself as a writer.
Good luck and great achievements in your writing career journey.
To become a writer, you need to have and develop your writing skills, creative abilities, and infinite imagination to form literary characters. First of all, if you feel that writing career is right for you, then go for it, and no matter the difficulties. Anyway, besides the writing talent and studiousness, you will also need to have the necessary financial and commercial means to promote yourself as a writer.
Good luck and great achievements in your writing career journey.
Kristine Rodriguez
Editorial Lead for a think tank
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kristine’s Answer
I love that you're thinking about becoming a writer, Savion! I've been a writer for years in various forms--a journalist writing under my own byline, a ghostwriter for executives, a magazine editor, a blog writer, a corporate business communications executive--I've worn lots of hats. So, of course I'm thinking that the challenges you may encounter depend on what kind of writer you want to be. If you have ideas about what interests you, it'll help you get more targeted answers on the challenges.
No matter what kind of writing you're investigating, though, I would say take a look at the impact generative AI is having on the profession. It's learning from human writers and while nowhere near perfect, it's definitely already disrupting the writer profession. A lot of future writers will need to work with some form of AI and so getting some experience doing that is a really practical way to gain valuable career skills.
I'm happy to continue the conversation if you want to ask about the type of writer you'd like to be.
Narrow down your focus by investigating the types of writing professions--technical writer, journalist, business writer, etc.
No matter what kind of writing you're investigating, though, I would say take a look at the impact generative AI is having on the profession. It's learning from human writers and while nowhere near perfect, it's definitely already disrupting the writer profession. A lot of future writers will need to work with some form of AI and so getting some experience doing that is a really practical way to gain valuable career skills.
I'm happy to continue the conversation if you want to ask about the type of writer you'd like to be.
Kristine recommends the following next steps:
Michele Marques
Information Architect
22
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Be aware that there are many different careers for writers. Think about what you love about writing, and what type of writing you want to do.
In your tags, you mention creative writing and journalism. Creative writing includes writing novels, short stories, poems, film and theater scripts. It can be challenging to make a career in creative writing, and many creative writers have a "day job" to provide reliable income until they can earn money from creative writing.
Fortunately, you can get started now with creative writing. Hopefully, you are doing lots of writing now. Take classes to improve your writing. Get feedback on your writing from friends, teachers, and family. If your school has a literary magazine, submit your work. If you feel that your stories are of professional quality, submit them to magazines.
If journalism interests you, start by reporting for your school newspaper. Consider studying something in college to give you expertise and get a Master's degree in journalism. Be aware that journalists have been having a hard time for years, as newspapers, magazines, and televisions cut back on the news departments.
Investigate other types of writing. For example, I have been a technical writer for many years. Technical writers document software, hardware, and devices. Check the manuals and online help for software and devices, and you will see the work of technical writers. While creativity is more limited, working as a salaried employee can give you a steady income.
In your tags, you mention creative writing and journalism. Creative writing includes writing novels, short stories, poems, film and theater scripts. It can be challenging to make a career in creative writing, and many creative writers have a "day job" to provide reliable income until they can earn money from creative writing.
Fortunately, you can get started now with creative writing. Hopefully, you are doing lots of writing now. Take classes to improve your writing. Get feedback on your writing from friends, teachers, and family. If your school has a literary magazine, submit your work. If you feel that your stories are of professional quality, submit them to magazines.
If journalism interests you, start by reporting for your school newspaper. Consider studying something in college to give you expertise and get a Master's degree in journalism. Be aware that journalists have been having a hard time for years, as newspapers, magazines, and televisions cut back on the news departments.
Investigate other types of writing. For example, I have been a technical writer for many years. Technical writers document software, hardware, and devices. Check the manuals and online help for software and devices, and you will see the work of technical writers. While creativity is more limited, working as a salaried employee can give you a steady income.
Jeannette Cook
Writer, Communications Manager, Yoga Teacher
18
Answers
Belgium
Updated
Jeannette’s Answer
Dear Savion,
You've tagged your question with "journalism", "author", "writing", "creative writing", "writer". This is interesting to me because I see some of these as quite distinct. The pathway for a journalist is different from a creative writer or author. Which is it you have in mind? Something to reflect on; it will make it easier for you to find a way forward if you're clear about what kind of writing you want to do.
In terms of being a writer, I have to say, there are very few difficulties in being a writer. You get some paper, you get a pen, and you write. You don't even need the internet. You just do it. You open your notebook and dive in.
To get your work published, to make a living at that -- that's another story. As a freelancer, you'd need to pitch and sell your ideas. You can see the challenges there (getting your foot in the door, dealing with rejections, difficulty in making a living at the beginning). Or, you can get hired, as a staff writer for a publication or a creative agency or communications department of a company. There are many options here.
If you're writing fiction or poetry, you build up your stories or poems and then submit them for publication, or self-publish. Difficulties with this: it can be a challenge to do the admin required for submitting, when you'd rather be writing. You probably need a day-job or other source of income with fiction (even established writers usually do other work too), so you need to do that plus make time to write. Another difficulty: for long fiction you haven't sold, you have to stay motivated to finish. That can be hard. And, writing can be lonely: most writers need solitude to write and create, but that doesn't mean we don't want to be alone all the time.
To earn my living, in part, I write. I often say that I "do communications", but this involves mostly writing and storytelling. I use narrative techniques, even for this decidedly nonfiction work. It can be a way to find a livelihood with words.
I also write (and occasionally publish) poetry; and after drafting a couple of novels without being satisfied, I am writing non-fiction which I hope to turn into a book.
I hope this answer gives you some insight. Good luck!
Jeannette
You've tagged your question with "journalism", "author", "writing", "creative writing", "writer". This is interesting to me because I see some of these as quite distinct. The pathway for a journalist is different from a creative writer or author. Which is it you have in mind? Something to reflect on; it will make it easier for you to find a way forward if you're clear about what kind of writing you want to do.
In terms of being a writer, I have to say, there are very few difficulties in being a writer. You get some paper, you get a pen, and you write. You don't even need the internet. You just do it. You open your notebook and dive in.
To get your work published, to make a living at that -- that's another story. As a freelancer, you'd need to pitch and sell your ideas. You can see the challenges there (getting your foot in the door, dealing with rejections, difficulty in making a living at the beginning). Or, you can get hired, as a staff writer for a publication or a creative agency or communications department of a company. There are many options here.
If you're writing fiction or poetry, you build up your stories or poems and then submit them for publication, or self-publish. Difficulties with this: it can be a challenge to do the admin required for submitting, when you'd rather be writing. You probably need a day-job or other source of income with fiction (even established writers usually do other work too), so you need to do that plus make time to write. Another difficulty: for long fiction you haven't sold, you have to stay motivated to finish. That can be hard. And, writing can be lonely: most writers need solitude to write and create, but that doesn't mean we don't want to be alone all the time.
To earn my living, in part, I write. I often say that I "do communications", but this involves mostly writing and storytelling. I use narrative techniques, even for this decidedly nonfiction work. It can be a way to find a livelihood with words.
I also write (and occasionally publish) poetry; and after drafting a couple of novels without being satisfied, I am writing non-fiction which I hope to turn into a book.
I hope this answer gives you some insight. Good luck!
Jeannette
Caryn Conklin, MBA
Project Manager for large computer sales opportunities.
23
Answers
Key West, Florida
Updated
Caryn’s Answer
I'm really impressed with the responses received so far. As highlighted in previous comments, your inquiry is quite expansive; as you're aware, writing comes in many diverse forms. My work involves a lot of technical and business writing, whereas I indulge in creative writing for personal enjoyment during my leisure time.
When it comes to the former, the most significant hurdle is compiling all the necessary data. At times, this information is easily accessible and abundant, but occasionally, you have to delve deep to find it or even generate some of it from scratch. For instance, when writing about the usage of new computer software, the task primarily revolves around comprehending the software's goals and usage procedures; if you possess strong communication skills and a solid grasp of technology, this becomes quite manageable. However, when writing about broader business transformations, such as establishing a new business or separating one business from another, you need to engage in extensive introspection about the entire process, study the business model, and converse with individuals involved in the actual structuring of the company. Only then can you begin to contemplate how to optimally arrange this information using words, visuals, and other aids to convey it most effectively.
As for the latter, the world is your oyster. However, I, along with many other writers, find it most intriguing to write about autobiographical events. For instance, when I relocated to Costa Rica, I had some experiences that sparked my creative writing and led to stories for my nephews back in the United States. Since I had a firsthand perspective, I was able to make the narratives more vibrant and appealing.
Best wishes on your journey!
Study writing / literature
Read - a lot - on topics of interest and in writing styles you like
When it comes to the former, the most significant hurdle is compiling all the necessary data. At times, this information is easily accessible and abundant, but occasionally, you have to delve deep to find it or even generate some of it from scratch. For instance, when writing about the usage of new computer software, the task primarily revolves around comprehending the software's goals and usage procedures; if you possess strong communication skills and a solid grasp of technology, this becomes quite manageable. However, when writing about broader business transformations, such as establishing a new business or separating one business from another, you need to engage in extensive introspection about the entire process, study the business model, and converse with individuals involved in the actual structuring of the company. Only then can you begin to contemplate how to optimally arrange this information using words, visuals, and other aids to convey it most effectively.
As for the latter, the world is your oyster. However, I, along with many other writers, find it most intriguing to write about autobiographical events. For instance, when I relocated to Costa Rica, I had some experiences that sparked my creative writing and led to stories for my nephews back in the United States. Since I had a firsthand perspective, I was able to make the narratives more vibrant and appealing.
Best wishes on your journey!
Caryn recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Savion !
Writers love writing and make a full commitment to it, so I do not imagine they consider anything a difficulty. I think that the only thing that could be considered is that it is considered one of the creative careers, so competition and gaps between projects may pose a challenge, but there are ways around those challenges.
One of the best ways to start is to be involved with a writers group or writers circle in your community. I think that attending college for a Bachelors Degree would be highly advisable, too. There are many types of writing and you should participate if not become aware of all forms of writing work to assure your versatility.
If you're still in high school, take as many types of writing and English classes as you can and remember to always spell check what you write. Be active with your school newspaper and or website and write articles for them. Subscribe to Writer Magazine to keep up with the market for writers and get some ideas and awareness of competitions and important information for writers. Practice your writing at the online forum at The Writer website. This will keep you in practice and can store a collection of your writing and you can interact with other writers.
If you do all this and find that you are not interested, it payed to explore and you can move on. If your mind and heart are involved and you are determined, that's how most writers begin their journey, than you have chosen the right niche. You will never stop learning and broadening your skills will take you far.
I wish you all the best in your discoveries !
MEET UP WRITERS CIRCLE IN CHANDLER https://www.meetup.com/find/us--az--chandler/writing/
WRITER MAGAZINE https://www.writermag.com/
WRITING WEBSITE https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/2147917-In-The-Mind
Writers love writing and make a full commitment to it, so I do not imagine they consider anything a difficulty. I think that the only thing that could be considered is that it is considered one of the creative careers, so competition and gaps between projects may pose a challenge, but there are ways around those challenges.
One of the best ways to start is to be involved with a writers group or writers circle in your community. I think that attending college for a Bachelors Degree would be highly advisable, too. There are many types of writing and you should participate if not become aware of all forms of writing work to assure your versatility.
If you're still in high school, take as many types of writing and English classes as you can and remember to always spell check what you write. Be active with your school newspaper and or website and write articles for them. Subscribe to Writer Magazine to keep up with the market for writers and get some ideas and awareness of competitions and important information for writers. Practice your writing at the online forum at The Writer website. This will keep you in practice and can store a collection of your writing and you can interact with other writers.
If you do all this and find that you are not interested, it payed to explore and you can move on. If your mind and heart are involved and you are determined, that's how most writers begin their journey, than you have chosen the right niche. You will never stop learning and broadening your skills will take you far.
I wish you all the best in your discoveries !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Hannia Yeverino
Finance Analyst
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hannia’s Answer
Hi Savion!
This is a great question! Personally, I like to write screenplays-- so first, I think it's important to identify what type of writing you want to do. You can do multiple types of writing though! I recently started writing poetry and I have also written a couple of essays on film.
So... to answer your question... what are the difficulties of being a writer?
1. Getting Started: There is nothing scarier than a blank page. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but I personally have a hard time starting my scripts. I want to aim for perfection, have a great first draft. The truth is, that nothing is perfect in this world-- so why do we expect ourselves to be that? I think sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to be a "great" writer, we're afraid to start. However, I personally push myself to get to writing when I feel that way. I force myself to write anything. Because our writing is not concrete, we can always go back and edit it. That's why it's called a "first draft"!
2. Inspiration: Have you ever heard of something known as "writer's block"? A lot of writers go through this, when we feel like we have no inspiration to write... It took me almost a year and a half to finish a script, because I had a hard time figuring out where I wanted to go with it. I think when you lose inspiration, it's important to analyze what type of content you like to read/watch. Do you like entertainment news, or thriller films? Analyze these trends about yourself, and also take time to do other activities so you can get back into the groove of writing.
3. Share it with the world: This... can be very scary for some people. Putting your work out there. However, the only way you'll get better is through feedback. Do you want to be a writer for your own enjoyment, or as a career one day? If you want to pursue writing professionally, you definitely will need to be ready to share your writing with others. But do not fear, it's not as scary as it seems, and you'd be surprised at how many people will be happy to read your work.
One last tip for writing: WE ALL NEED TO READ other's work and learn from it!
I wish you the best of luck on your writing endeavors, you can do it!
This is a great question! Personally, I like to write screenplays-- so first, I think it's important to identify what type of writing you want to do. You can do multiple types of writing though! I recently started writing poetry and I have also written a couple of essays on film.
So... to answer your question... what are the difficulties of being a writer?
1. Getting Started: There is nothing scarier than a blank page. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but I personally have a hard time starting my scripts. I want to aim for perfection, have a great first draft. The truth is, that nothing is perfect in this world-- so why do we expect ourselves to be that? I think sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to be a "great" writer, we're afraid to start. However, I personally push myself to get to writing when I feel that way. I force myself to write anything. Because our writing is not concrete, we can always go back and edit it. That's why it's called a "first draft"!
2. Inspiration: Have you ever heard of something known as "writer's block"? A lot of writers go through this, when we feel like we have no inspiration to write... It took me almost a year and a half to finish a script, because I had a hard time figuring out where I wanted to go with it. I think when you lose inspiration, it's important to analyze what type of content you like to read/watch. Do you like entertainment news, or thriller films? Analyze these trends about yourself, and also take time to do other activities so you can get back into the groove of writing.
3. Share it with the world: This... can be very scary for some people. Putting your work out there. However, the only way you'll get better is through feedback. Do you want to be a writer for your own enjoyment, or as a career one day? If you want to pursue writing professionally, you definitely will need to be ready to share your writing with others. But do not fear, it's not as scary as it seems, and you'd be surprised at how many people will be happy to read your work.
One last tip for writing: WE ALL NEED TO READ other's work and learn from it!
I wish you the best of luck on your writing endeavors, you can do it!
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
344
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
The simplest answer is to write as much and as often as you can. Find someone whose writing you admire and ask them to review what you've written (teachers might be an option). Also good to try writing in a variety of styles and on many topics. The hard part can be when you can't think of something you want to write about but those are the times to challenge yourself even if it's just to write a paragraph each day.
Best of all is to try to find joy in writing!
With every good wish.
Best of all is to try to find joy in writing!
With every good wish.