15 answers
James
Student
Alabama Shores, AL
1
Question
Asked
1290 views
How can I become a writer ?
What should I study to become a professional writer also how many years should the subject I would stay take me in the university to complete it.
Please I need honest reply
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15 answers
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
30
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
James, there is a simple answer to your question of how can I become a professional writer. The answer is, write.
Write about what you see, about the world you live in, about the things that interest you. As you progress through high school and college, look for opportunities to write such as the school newspaper or literary magazine, letters to the editor of your newspaper. Also, search out established authors and try to understand what they are saying and how they express themselves.
In college don't study writing. Study the world you live in: its history, its great thinkers, its geography and politics. Select a major that causes you to reach out to the world, such as history, political science, or international relations.
You will need fuel for your writing, so you should use your studies to store up that fuel.
I wish you every success in your writing life.
Write about what you see, about the world you live in, about the things that interest you. As you progress through high school and college, look for opportunities to write such as the school newspaper or literary magazine, letters to the editor of your newspaper. Also, search out established authors and try to understand what they are saying and how they express themselves.
In college don't study writing. Study the world you live in: its history, its great thinkers, its geography and politics. Select a major that causes you to reach out to the world, such as history, political science, or international relations.
You will need fuel for your writing, so you should use your studies to store up that fuel.
I wish you every success in your writing life.
Brilliant response!!
Philip Vitkus
That's the best answer!!! also the most challenging. Express truthfully.
Richard Kroyer
Mia Huss
Journalist
13
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Mia’s Answer
Hi James! I just graduated from a public university in California for journalism! This is fairly similar to "professional writer" depending on how you define it. It took me 3 years for my Bachelor's degree, this typically takes 4 years for the average student! You can start freelancing for newspapers or as a copywriter for certain companies. Even search for internships for writers, too! Your coursework will help you prepare for the workforce, but I also suggest joining a college newspaper! That's a great way to enhance your resume and experience! Feel free to ask me more questions, but I think this is a good place to start!
Grace Pisano
Editor
2
Answers
Norwalk, Connecticut
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hey there, James. Like others have said, becoming a writer is easy: all you have to do is sit down and write! It also helps to read a lot, not just the kind of stuff you want to write, but a wide range of material (everything from comic books to fiction to news to you-name-it). When you read a lot, you simply absorb a lot about writing basics and techniques without much conscious effort.
You can start writing now, whether it's writing for a school publication or for your own pleasure. The more you write, the easier it becomes to develop your own unique style and voice! Taking English courses in school can teach you technique and expose you to different kinds of writing you might want to pursue, but you don't necessarily have to be an English major to be a writer (although taking some writing-focused courses can help you develop skills and techniques). If there's something you're interested in, whether it be science, music, math, pop culture, current events--really anything--you can write about it!
Good luck to you!
Grace
Read what interests you but try to make it a broad range of things.
Sit down and put words on paper about anything that interests you.
Take writing classes in school if you want to learn some techniques and tricks.
Have fun with it!
You can start writing now, whether it's writing for a school publication or for your own pleasure. The more you write, the easier it becomes to develop your own unique style and voice! Taking English courses in school can teach you technique and expose you to different kinds of writing you might want to pursue, but you don't necessarily have to be an English major to be a writer (although taking some writing-focused courses can help you develop skills and techniques). If there's something you're interested in, whether it be science, music, math, pop culture, current events--really anything--you can write about it!
Good luck to you!
Grace
Grace recommends the following next steps:
Tiffany
Student
Writer & Instructor
Highland, California
0
Questions
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Focus on writing before you focus on making money. If you keep that focus, you will enhance your writing skills. Options for study include English, Journalism, and Creative Writing. Think about creating and being a part of a writing community while you study. Typically, 4 years is what a student who wants to earn his/her B.A. can expect. Read, write, and try your local library. There are opportunities at libraries, like publishing on a website, for authors. Good luck!
Abigail Miller
Actor, Business Consultant
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Hello James!
You're about to receive a wealth of guidance and suggestions in response to your question. However, the core message that you'll likely hear over and over is this: "simply begin writing".
Each of us possesses a unique voice, and the journey to mastering that voice and shaping it into captivating stories requires time and dedication. Formal education can definitely be beneficial. Immersing yourself in books to glean insights from other writers can also be a great strategy. But remember, the process of mastering your voice is unique to each individual, and the pace can vary. Some writers land major book deals in their twenties, while others don't see their work published until their 80s. There's no set age or timeline for writers. Your progress is largely determined by the effort you invest in honing your craft.
Another crucial factor to consider is the specific genre of writing you're interested in. Crafting novels, for instance, demands a different skill set compared to writing a video game script. My recommendation is to pinpoint the type of writing you're passionate about, and then study the careers of successful individuals in that field. If you aspire to be a novelist, delve into the lives of authors like Jane Eyre, Ernest Hemingway, and Rick Riordan. If your goal is to write Hollywood scripts, explore the careers of individuals like Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola. Learn about their lives, their education, and read their early and later works to understand their growth and evolution.
Of course, it's essential to devote time to writing your own stories or scripts. Seek feedback from your peers by participating in activities like short story contests on platforms like Reedsy, or by joining writing groups on Facebook.
In the end, the path to success as a writer is unique to each individual, and largely depends on the time and effort you invest in developing your own voice. There's no definitive answer to how, when, where, and how long it will take for you to achieve success as a writer.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
You're about to receive a wealth of guidance and suggestions in response to your question. However, the core message that you'll likely hear over and over is this: "simply begin writing".
Each of us possesses a unique voice, and the journey to mastering that voice and shaping it into captivating stories requires time and dedication. Formal education can definitely be beneficial. Immersing yourself in books to glean insights from other writers can also be a great strategy. But remember, the process of mastering your voice is unique to each individual, and the pace can vary. Some writers land major book deals in their twenties, while others don't see their work published until their 80s. There's no set age or timeline for writers. Your progress is largely determined by the effort you invest in honing your craft.
Another crucial factor to consider is the specific genre of writing you're interested in. Crafting novels, for instance, demands a different skill set compared to writing a video game script. My recommendation is to pinpoint the type of writing you're passionate about, and then study the careers of successful individuals in that field. If you aspire to be a novelist, delve into the lives of authors like Jane Eyre, Ernest Hemingway, and Rick Riordan. If your goal is to write Hollywood scripts, explore the careers of individuals like Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola. Learn about their lives, their education, and read their early and later works to understand their growth and evolution.
Of course, it's essential to devote time to writing your own stories or scripts. Seek feedback from your peers by participating in activities like short story contests on platforms like Reedsy, or by joining writing groups on Facebook.
In the end, the path to success as a writer is unique to each individual, and largely depends on the time and effort you invest in developing your own voice. There's no definitive answer to how, when, where, and how long it will take for you to achieve success as a writer.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Katharine Sobotka
Project Manager
18
Answers
Ellicott City, Maryland
Updated
Katharine’s Answer
Hi James,
I think you have some wonderful advice here already! I see that you put "journalism" in the tags, so I assume you want to be working in that field. In that case, a journalism degree seems the obvious choice. However, don't let yourself think that there is only one type of journalism or one type of writer. I agree with the commenters who say to read read read. Reading can expose you not only to new ways of writing, but new perspectives which will help you enormously in your journalistic career. Read fiction, non fiction, biographies, and your local paper. If you're still in high school, try writing for your school paper or the year book. Try writing movie reviews or short animation scripts. Most of all, make sure you're writing something that interests you. The more invested you are in your subject, the more your readers will be, too.
Best of luck!
I think you have some wonderful advice here already! I see that you put "journalism" in the tags, so I assume you want to be working in that field. In that case, a journalism degree seems the obvious choice. However, don't let yourself think that there is only one type of journalism or one type of writer. I agree with the commenters who say to read read read. Reading can expose you not only to new ways of writing, but new perspectives which will help you enormously in your journalistic career. Read fiction, non fiction, biographies, and your local paper. If you're still in high school, try writing for your school paper or the year book. Try writing movie reviews or short animation scripts. Most of all, make sure you're writing something that interests you. The more invested you are in your subject, the more your readers will be, too.
Best of luck!
Brian Richardson, PMP
Project Manager
7
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Brian’s Answer
The easiest way to start is by simply picking up a pen and writing, or perhaps typing, depending on your preference. I sense that your real question is about what to write to develop your skills enough to turn it into a career. This will require some exploration. You might want to begin by writing about anything that pops into your head. Remember, practice is the key to perfection in such matters. Regarding university courses, most Journalism majors typically complete their studies in about 4 years, with some even pursuing a master's degree. If possible, try to connect with someone who is currently studying this major in college to gain firsthand insights into the field. I hope you find this advice useful!
Kelly Kregel, MBA
Marketing
4
Answers
South Bend, Indiana
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi James,
The really exciting part is that there's so many different career and educational trajectories you could pursue with a passion for writing!
Identify the type of writer you want to become and that will help to influence the path you take.
One of the best ways to do so--and become an even better writer--is through reading. Read news articles, social media posts, advertisements, technical product manuals, mysteries, poetry, plays, movie scripts, futuristic stories, magazines, how-to books, children's books, etc. Find what really resonates with you.
A few other questions to ask yourself:
Is writing a skill that you want to develop further? If so, consider a 4- year degree in Journalism, English, or Marketing/Advertising.
Is writing your hobby? While there are SO many benefits of pursuing a career that is also your hobby, writing is something that can be subjective. As a writer, you have to develop tough skin to criticism, especially as you're learning and growing. You may decide to keep your hobbies and your career separate.
Is writing a creative outlet for you? Like others have suggested, by studying art, history, science -- the things that interest you-- it gives you the inspiration for the things to write about.
Happy writing! And wishing you luck!
The really exciting part is that there's so many different career and educational trajectories you could pursue with a passion for writing!
Identify the type of writer you want to become and that will help to influence the path you take.
One of the best ways to do so--and become an even better writer--is through reading. Read news articles, social media posts, advertisements, technical product manuals, mysteries, poetry, plays, movie scripts, futuristic stories, magazines, how-to books, children's books, etc. Find what really resonates with you.
A few other questions to ask yourself:
Is writing a skill that you want to develop further? If so, consider a 4- year degree in Journalism, English, or Marketing/Advertising.
Is writing your hobby? While there are SO many benefits of pursuing a career that is also your hobby, writing is something that can be subjective. As a writer, you have to develop tough skin to criticism, especially as you're learning and growing. You may decide to keep your hobbies and your career separate.
Is writing a creative outlet for you? Like others have suggested, by studying art, history, science -- the things that interest you-- it gives you the inspiration for the things to write about.
Happy writing! And wishing you luck!
Philip Vitkus
3
Answers
Updated
Philip’s Answer
So, James.
To some extent, you already are a writer, or you are not. If you find yourself writing, if you find yourself most comfortable communicating with others via writing, or if you are simply most prolific in clarifying ideas to yourself while writing, then you are a writer.
That said, here's some professional writing development advice:
- Take as many writing courses as you can. I found taking creative writing, persuasive writing, and writing for publication courses to be most helpful.
- Yes, find as many volunteer writing opportunities as you can. I wrote for school publications starting in eighth grade, and found that most helpful.
- Take courses that have a high writing requirement. Turn your papers in early and ask for feedback, and take the time and effort to incorporate that feedback.
- Take an entry level writing position writing WHATEVER. I started as a novice technical writer for a computer software company. And with this, find someone who will mentor you as a writer (thank you, Kathi M.!).
- Information Mapping. Information Mapping. Information Mapping. Did I mention Information Mapping? Go through the moderately expensive commercially available seminar on Information Mapping. This will transform your professional life. Information Mapping is a (originally USAF) research- based approach to creating documentation that cannot be misunderstood.
- Join a professional organization in an area that you have a passion for, and volunteer to write its publications. One of my lessons is process mapping. I joined the ABPMP and ended up editing the entire CBOK and writing the chapter on process mapping.
And remember, there are truly no good writers. BUT, there are good re-writers! Edit, seek feedback, learn, learn, and learn from every writing task!
Phil
To some extent, you already are a writer, or you are not. If you find yourself writing, if you find yourself most comfortable communicating with others via writing, or if you are simply most prolific in clarifying ideas to yourself while writing, then you are a writer.
That said, here's some professional writing development advice:
- Take as many writing courses as you can. I found taking creative writing, persuasive writing, and writing for publication courses to be most helpful.
- Yes, find as many volunteer writing opportunities as you can. I wrote for school publications starting in eighth grade, and found that most helpful.
- Take courses that have a high writing requirement. Turn your papers in early and ask for feedback, and take the time and effort to incorporate that feedback.
- Take an entry level writing position writing WHATEVER. I started as a novice technical writer for a computer software company. And with this, find someone who will mentor you as a writer (thank you, Kathi M.!).
- Information Mapping. Information Mapping. Information Mapping. Did I mention Information Mapping? Go through the moderately expensive commercially available seminar on Information Mapping. This will transform your professional life. Information Mapping is a (originally USAF) research- based approach to creating documentation that cannot be misunderstood.
- Join a professional organization in an area that you have a passion for, and volunteer to write its publications. One of my lessons is process mapping. I joined the ABPMP and ended up editing the entire CBOK and writing the chapter on process mapping.
And remember, there are truly no good writers. BUT, there are good re-writers! Edit, seek feedback, learn, learn, and learn from every writing task!
Phil
Eric Baker
Consultant
3
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi James! There is some great advice in this thread already about searching out opportunities for writing practice, and I'd like to add that reading and immersing yourself in strong prose can be another way to increase your own abilities. Search for writers, journalists, and artists you admire, and try to see what makes their writing so effective. Is it their use of prose or rhetorical devices? Do they make good use of examples of find a way to relate to their audience? As you begin to narrow down what makes good writing good, you can then use these strategies in your own work!
Shirley Jones Luke
Educator, Blogger
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hello! Great question!
Tell you a story - I loved watching Saturday morning cartoons and monster movies in the afternoons as a child. At first, I didn't understand everything I saw, but as I grew older, I could better understand the world cartoons and monster movies pulled me into. I loved the action and excitement, the humor and the horror.
That led me to write my own stories about what I watched. I even made my notebooks! I would spend hours writing stories. I didn't know how to begin, so I wrote down whatever came to mind. I also kept a diary, and I journaled a lot as an adult. With technology, I record my thoughts on the Notes app on my phone.
So I'm saying this to tell you to write. Grab a notebook, big or small, and write. You can make lists, brainstorm, and outline. Think about what stories you have yet to see in the world. If you're stuck on ideas, check out Amazon's book section and see the bestsellers or the New York Times bestsellers; visit bookstores or libraries. Ask your teachers what books they'd recommend reading.
Most importantly, write every day. Set a time - t could be for 30 mins, an hour - whatever works for you. Be consistent, and your stories will be born!
Have fun!
Shirley
Tell you a story - I loved watching Saturday morning cartoons and monster movies in the afternoons as a child. At first, I didn't understand everything I saw, but as I grew older, I could better understand the world cartoons and monster movies pulled me into. I loved the action and excitement, the humor and the horror.
That led me to write my own stories about what I watched. I even made my notebooks! I would spend hours writing stories. I didn't know how to begin, so I wrote down whatever came to mind. I also kept a diary, and I journaled a lot as an adult. With technology, I record my thoughts on the Notes app on my phone.
So I'm saying this to tell you to write. Grab a notebook, big or small, and write. You can make lists, brainstorm, and outline. Think about what stories you have yet to see in the world. If you're stuck on ideas, check out Amazon's book section and see the bestsellers or the New York Times bestsellers; visit bookstores or libraries. Ask your teachers what books they'd recommend reading.
Most importantly, write every day. Set a time - t could be for 30 mins, an hour - whatever works for you. Be consistent, and your stories will be born!
Have fun!
Shirley
E. J. Tanner
Freelance Writer
2
Answers
Long Beach, California
Updated
E. J.’s Answer
Hi James. Great question. I think it may help if you have an idea of what kind of writing you want to do for now. Do you want to write short stories and books? Comic books? Movie and TV show scripts? News articles and blogs? I'm a writer and specialize in screenplays and comic books, currently. I majored in English Literature in college. I wrote a lot of essays analyzing other peoples' work. It wasn't the most creative, though there is an art to it. Within some college English departments, you might be able to study Creative Writing specifically, and work on writing original stories as your schoolwork.
What's also true is, you don't have to study anything in particular to become a writer. Study something that excites you and makes you feel engaged. Even if you major in biology, you can still write stories or blogs in your spare time. Writing is a craft--the more you do it, the better you get at doing it, usually. Studying other people's writing in school may sharpen your ability to understand what's going on in a story and how it works, but it doesn't write the story for you. That's something you have to do, by putting pen to paper (or hit the keys on a keyboard and a blank document).
Discover what kind of writing you want to do, and that may open the door to what could be worth studying in college.
best of luck!
EJ
What's also true is, you don't have to study anything in particular to become a writer. Study something that excites you and makes you feel engaged. Even if you major in biology, you can still write stories or blogs in your spare time. Writing is a craft--the more you do it, the better you get at doing it, usually. Studying other people's writing in school may sharpen your ability to understand what's going on in a story and how it works, but it doesn't write the story for you. That's something you have to do, by putting pen to paper (or hit the keys on a keyboard and a blank document).
Discover what kind of writing you want to do, and that may open the door to what could be worth studying in college.
best of luck!
EJ
Madeleine Graham
Freelance
12
Answers
Flint, Michigan
Updated
Madeleine’s Answer
As a seasoned professional with a background in English, language, and literature, the majority of my career has been rooted in journalism. However, I wouldn't recommend pursuing journalism today, especially considering that even institutions like the University of Michigan Flint campus have ceased to offer the program. Instead, I'd strongly advise you to consider a degree in communications, which can open up a plethora of opportunities for you.
My journey as a writer began in 1988, during a time when all it took was a simple walk into a newspaper office and expressing my interest in writing to the editor. But times have changed. The advent of the internet has revolutionized everything. You might find your interests leaning towards digital writing or digital communications. As a journalist or writer functioning as an Independent Contractor, I believe these fields could potentially offer you a more lucrative career.
As for writing a book or short story for publication, I regret to inform you that I may not be the best source of guidance, as I have never ventured into that territory myself.
Whatever school you attend, the counseling office will have resources for you to look at in your field and most likely, this will involve an internship.
I urge you to do an internship in your junior year of college.
The internship may be paid or not, but the reference will definitely help you.
My journey as a writer began in 1988, during a time when all it took was a simple walk into a newspaper office and expressing my interest in writing to the editor. But times have changed. The advent of the internet has revolutionized everything. You might find your interests leaning towards digital writing or digital communications. As a journalist or writer functioning as an Independent Contractor, I believe these fields could potentially offer you a more lucrative career.
As for writing a book or short story for publication, I regret to inform you that I may not be the best source of guidance, as I have never ventured into that territory myself.
Madeleine recommends the following next steps:
Katherine Noyes
Senior Writer
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi James! Your question is close to my heart, and I see you've received a lot of great advice already. I have been a professional journalist/writer for many years, but did not start out with that goal in mind. At university I began as a biology major but ultimately switched to English because I missed reading literature -- Shakespeare, poetry, and the many great masterpieces that are available to delight us all. I also love math and took classes in that as electives. With a BA in English and experience on the college newspaper, my first job post-graduation was to work as an editorial assistant for a magazine publisher. From there I moved into copy editing and then editing for business and technology publications, because that's where the journalism jobs were (and often still are). I did that for several years before getting an MBA and then rediscovering how much I love writing and storytelling. Today I specialize in interviewing corporate executives and turning their experiences into compelling stories for publication mostly online.
I'd echo much of the advice you've received already. Major in a field you love, read voraciously, and write as much as possible along the way, whether in your classes or on your own. The college newspaper can be a great outlet, as can freelance writing for publications in areas that interest you or contributing posts to a blog. The more published clips you have to demonstrate your work, the better. Today there are opportunities to write not just for traditional journalism/news outlets but also for company blogs, PR departments, and more. There are many places and ways to do what you love. Best of luck -- and have fun!
I'd echo much of the advice you've received already. Major in a field you love, read voraciously, and write as much as possible along the way, whether in your classes or on your own. The college newspaper can be a great outlet, as can freelance writing for publications in areas that interest you or contributing posts to a blog. The more published clips you have to demonstrate your work, the better. Today there are opportunities to write not just for traditional journalism/news outlets but also for company blogs, PR departments, and more. There are many places and ways to do what you love. Best of luck -- and have fun!
Thonny Koon
Consulting
3
Answers
Suwanee, Georgia
Updated
Thonny’s Answer
As other have mentioned you do not necessarily need to study writing in college. For example, Oliver Sacks was a neurologist who had great success writing about his experiences with some of his patients. I would recommend learning about topics that you are particularly interested in or be engaged in activities that you are passionate about. Then use that knowledge and experience to drive what you write about. Additionally, I would recommend reading a lot of works that you enjoy and take inspiration from them. It is pretty common for authors to directly or indirectly pay homage to other authors who helped inspired their novels.