You Can Become a Writer Today

So you want to become a writer.

I always did, too, when I was young. And for years, I thought I'd never "become" one.

I'll let you in on a secret: You're a writer the moment you put pen to paper or fingers to keys and write the first word.

Yup. It's really that simple, no matter what people might tell you. If you write, even just a sentence to two, you're a writer.

But I suppose you want to be more than a sentence writer... alright. Let's look into this mysterious and "hallowed" profession.


First, Ask This

WHY do you want to become a writer?

Do you think it's glamorous? A great way to make money? It will bring you fame? Do you have a "message" you just have to get out to the world?

Any of those reasons are alright, if you're thinking of becoming a writer .

But dig deeper. Glamor, fame and money aren't going to cut it when the writing gets tough - or should I say the rewriting? If you don't have a passion for it, then you're better off keeping writing as a hobby. Something you do when you feel like it.

Because to really become a writer, you have to want it. A lot. It's fun, but it's not always easy. Yeah, you can jot reams of entertaining tidbits that delight your friends, but can you turn those into a salable book? Do you want to?

Ah. Another point to ponder. Do you want to make money writing? Or just write because you love to?

Me, I'd write no matter what. Because I have to write as much as I have to breathe. It's that important to me. Making money with my writing is a bonus. I don't care whether I do or not (though it certainly makes it easier to spend more time doing it, because I can justify it, then!)

So before you jump into this writing thing, just check in with yourself and figure out what you want from it. It doesn't matter, it'll just help you decide how much time and effort you'd like to devote to it.


Am I a Writer Yet, Or Not?

If you tell people you've become a writer, one of the first things out of their mouths is invariably "What have you published?"

Do they think you aren't a writer if you don't have anything published, yet? Doesn't a writer write? I don't see anywhere in the definition of writer that "one isn't a writer until one has been published". That's malarky!

How about this one: "Do you get paid to write ?" Well, maybe yes, maybe no. Does "no" mean you aren't a writer? Do you still write?

Then you're a writer!

If you do it, you are a writer. No matter what other criteria other people attach to the label.

Are you writing a first novel ?

You're a writer.

Are you doing freelance writing, but haven't sold any yet?

You're still a writer.

No matter what kind of writing you do - poetry, non-fiction, novellas, travel writing, speech writing, web writing (I must be a writer!) - if you're writing things, you're a writer.


Keeping Faith and Motivation

Maybe you think you can't become a writer because you aren't attaining those outside goals others think you should.

Is a freelance writer who isn't making money still a writer? (See above, if you don't know how to answer this, yet!)

But is that same writer discouraged? Depressed maybe?

Sure. That may be the case. I did say it was hard work. And you have to keep improving your writing and getting it in front of the right people in order to make money at it.

If you're on this site because you want to learn how to write a novel , well, you need to keep faith in yourself and find motivation from within for a much longer stretch than someone who writes articles or short stories.

How?

Start by changing how you describe yourself to others. Don't say "I'm going to be a writer", say "I'm a writer." By changing your own perspective on it, you'll boost your confidence, even if only a little.

And you'll feel obligated to make it be true!

Writing is a solo occupation, for the most part. Maybe you need some company to help keep your motivation and inspiration coming.

Plenty of opportunities are out there to join the writing community. Even if you live in Tinytown, USA.

No local writing group? Go online. Join a writers' forum. Go to writing classes or workshops, even if you have to save up to travel to one. Maybe you can find a mentor. Someone who's been there and done that who can give you advice and encouragement.

Think you don't have enough writing skill? Take classes in the basics of writing. Online, if need be. Then take classes in writing whatever you want to write most, be it novel writing , journalism or technical writing.

And read. Read what you like reading. Read about writing. Read things related to but not exactly like what you enjoy most. Keep learning, no matter what. A busy brain has a lot more to write about.

Then, you'll find you've become a writer.