4 answers
Natalie
Student
Gary, Indiana
4
Questions
Updated
367 views
''How do I start my career as a Novelist and Poet''?
I'm in 9th Grade. I'm asking this because my goal is to become a Novelist. I've already written drafts of course, but I don't know where to start. So when I heard of this, I was hoping someone would be able to answer my question.
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4 answers
Tom Foster
Freelance writer
28
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
The simplest answer is this: Just Write.
Apart from that, seek feedback, take advice, and learn how to deal with criticism.
Otherwise, just write, and keep writing.
Apart from that, seek feedback, take advice, and learn how to deal with criticism.
Otherwise, just write, and keep writing.
Doc Raymond
songwriter
7
Answers
Hiawassee, Georgia
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Well, Natalie let me start by saying that I have written 12 novels and a couple of Novellas, many poems and now am deep into songwriting (lyricist),
none of which I ever imagined when I was in ninth grade! But good for you establishing goals at your young age. First, let me address the low-hanging fruit that's out there. Do not be suckered into any of the how-to apps or online sites that promise to make you a writer and help you publish. Like sports, creative writing can't really be taught. It comes from within, drawn out by life experiences and exploration. By that I mean that while you can pull out a rhyming dictionary and create a poem from it, then it's only words, not an expression of your thoughts or feelings. Writing a novel, a poem, or a song is an art, not a skill. But please don't take this as an impediment to your dreams. In fact, let it be encouragement for you to start writing in a journal, thoughts, feeling, daily occurrences, your life on paper. Then at the end of the week, look at what you have written, absorb it and let it lead you to write a poem, a song or a short story. BTW, no matter what your English teacher may try to tell you, poetry does not have to rhyme. Don't share your work with others as it is the foundation for you to step up to the next level. We are our own worst critics, we don't need others! So, while most of my novels are not age appropriate for you, at least you get an idea of the 6 I have self-published at https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Henry-Doc-Holliday/author/B08SW9V494?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
and you can check out my song lyrics on Spotify, Pandora, I-tunes and more by searching for D O C & Co . Let me leave you with one last thought, if it was easy everyone would be doing it. Don't get discouraged, Write on! BTW I use pencils to write, of course they are smart pencils :)
none of which I ever imagined when I was in ninth grade! But good for you establishing goals at your young age. First, let me address the low-hanging fruit that's out there. Do not be suckered into any of the how-to apps or online sites that promise to make you a writer and help you publish. Like sports, creative writing can't really be taught. It comes from within, drawn out by life experiences and exploration. By that I mean that while you can pull out a rhyming dictionary and create a poem from it, then it's only words, not an expression of your thoughts or feelings. Writing a novel, a poem, or a song is an art, not a skill. But please don't take this as an impediment to your dreams. In fact, let it be encouragement for you to start writing in a journal, thoughts, feeling, daily occurrences, your life on paper. Then at the end of the week, look at what you have written, absorb it and let it lead you to write a poem, a song or a short story. BTW, no matter what your English teacher may try to tell you, poetry does not have to rhyme. Don't share your work with others as it is the foundation for you to step up to the next level. We are our own worst critics, we don't need others! So, while most of my novels are not age appropriate for you, at least you get an idea of the 6 I have self-published at https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Henry-Doc-Holliday/author/B08SW9V494?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
and you can check out my song lyrics on Spotify, Pandora, I-tunes and more by searching for D O C & Co . Let me leave you with one last thought, if it was easy everyone would be doing it. Don't get discouraged, Write on! BTW I use pencils to write, of course they are smart pencils :)
Donnetta Williams
Vendor Coordinator
8
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Donnetta’s Answer
First thing, read as much as you can. Reading across different genres helps aid you in finding your voice while learning the many techniques of writing.
Write daily, write regularly, schedule when to write or the best thing ever is starting a journal. Every time you have a thought write it down. Create your own blog on free sites such as Blogspot to share your writing with the world and or your preferred selection of friends and family.
Join writing communities, locally and or online that are approved by a parent and or guardian. I have been a member of many platforms for over 10 plus years such as Booksie, Wattpad and Writerscafe, all still operating today. These communities also help aid you in feedback which is essential to learning your voice of writing whether it be novel writing and or poetry.
If you can get involved with groups and extracurricular activities in school related to writing and poetry this helps you build your portfolio as you attend school throughout the years. Study the craft. Reading is a top priority I cannot stress this enough. Attend workshops locally and or online and take writing courses.
Stay persistent! Writing takes time and practice. Be patient, and keep improving your craft! Starting now will give you plenty of time to grow and develop your skills. Keep writing, reading, and seeking feedback!
Write daily, write regularly, schedule when to write or the best thing ever is starting a journal. Every time you have a thought write it down. Create your own blog on free sites such as Blogspot to share your writing with the world and or your preferred selection of friends and family.
Join writing communities, locally and or online that are approved by a parent and or guardian. I have been a member of many platforms for over 10 plus years such as Booksie, Wattpad and Writerscafe, all still operating today. These communities also help aid you in feedback which is essential to learning your voice of writing whether it be novel writing and or poetry.
If you can get involved with groups and extracurricular activities in school related to writing and poetry this helps you build your portfolio as you attend school throughout the years. Study the craft. Reading is a top priority I cannot stress this enough. Attend workshops locally and or online and take writing courses.
Stay persistent! Writing takes time and practice. Be patient, and keep improving your craft! Starting now will give you plenty of time to grow and develop your skills. Keep writing, reading, and seeking feedback!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1750
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Natalie !
Great question ! You are fortunate because there is a website called Writing at which you can both write and get your work reviewed ! I left the link for it below. You will receive a Portfolio on the Writing website in which you can store your writings. Many of the writers of that community also seek reviews of their work, so this would give you practice reviewing other writers' works, too. I think it would be fun for you and may just be the thing you are looking for.
I would also suggest that if your school offers a class in Creative Writing, definitely take it and any other writing classes while you are in high school. Having a teacher read and evaluate your writing is an excellent way to gain feedback.
As for how you begin your career as a writer, you are already doing that ! You are going through the learning and education stage of preparing for the time that you become a paid writer. Keep writing and learn a variety of genres and types of writing as the more you feel comfortable doing, the more projects you can work on. As you proceed through high school, become involved in any extracurriculars connected to writing: school news, school journal/magazine, website or yearbook. Some schools have inspirational passages included in yearbooks, so explore the resources at your school to be as active as you want to be. Being around other writers and English and Writing teachers, you will soon become aware of the trade magazines and websites that you can submit your writing to. The Writer magazine - for which you can obtain a subscription - is a magazine for professional writers and they have notices for places to send material to. Also register at Linked In and follow traditional publishers, self-publishing companies and do a search on how to start writing E-Books. I have left links to The Write Life and a Blog below so that you can know where to submit your work when you want to.
So you should remember two things for right now: you have already started your career because you are writing and also try to say that you are a writer because people are either writers or they're not. You are a writer and once you start getting paid for your writing, then you can be considered a professional writer. But, really, you are a writer.
I hope this helps out and I wish you all the best. Continue with what you are doing and I hope that my advice can lead you to progress. Enjoy the journey !
WRITING WEBSITE https://www.writing.com/
THE WRITE LIFE - WHERE TO SEND YOUR WRITING https://thewritelife.com/where-to-submit-short-stories/
50 PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR WRITING WORK https://www.henryharvin.com/blog/exciting-top-50-websites-to-submit-your-creative-writing/
Great question ! You are fortunate because there is a website called Writing at which you can both write and get your work reviewed ! I left the link for it below. You will receive a Portfolio on the Writing website in which you can store your writings. Many of the writers of that community also seek reviews of their work, so this would give you practice reviewing other writers' works, too. I think it would be fun for you and may just be the thing you are looking for.
I would also suggest that if your school offers a class in Creative Writing, definitely take it and any other writing classes while you are in high school. Having a teacher read and evaluate your writing is an excellent way to gain feedback.
As for how you begin your career as a writer, you are already doing that ! You are going through the learning and education stage of preparing for the time that you become a paid writer. Keep writing and learn a variety of genres and types of writing as the more you feel comfortable doing, the more projects you can work on. As you proceed through high school, become involved in any extracurriculars connected to writing: school news, school journal/magazine, website or yearbook. Some schools have inspirational passages included in yearbooks, so explore the resources at your school to be as active as you want to be. Being around other writers and English and Writing teachers, you will soon become aware of the trade magazines and websites that you can submit your writing to. The Writer magazine - for which you can obtain a subscription - is a magazine for professional writers and they have notices for places to send material to. Also register at Linked In and follow traditional publishers, self-publishing companies and do a search on how to start writing E-Books. I have left links to The Write Life and a Blog below so that you can know where to submit your work when you want to.
So you should remember two things for right now: you have already started your career because you are writing and also try to say that you are a writer because people are either writers or they're not. You are a writer and once you start getting paid for your writing, then you can be considered a professional writer. But, really, you are a writer.
I hope this helps out and I wish you all the best. Continue with what you are doing and I hope that my advice can lead you to progress. Enjoy the journey !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: