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I get a lot of emails asking me how to become a writer and here's the answer: write.
Seriously, that's it. That's the secret. But if you want the things that I think are helpful as a newbie writer, read on:
Seriously, that's it. That's the secret. But if you want the things that I think are helpful as a newbie writer, read on:
Communities:
The Absolute Write forums are super helpful and a great way to get started with critique groups and basic craft.
Twitter is also great for finding other writers via the hashtag amwriting
Meet Up and libraries are a local option.
All are free.
The Absolute Write forums are super helpful and a great way to get started with critique groups and basic craft.
Twitter is also great for finding other writers via the hashtag amwriting
Meet Up and libraries are a local option.
All are free.
I feel very strongly that you shouldn't pay for friends, which is why I don't endorse SCBWI or other organizations that target aspiring authors and their $$$$.
Especially since these groups tend to have a terrible record with how they treat people of color.
Especially since these groups tend to have a terrible record with how they treat people of color.
Books: I will always endorse Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway as sort of my Holy Grail of writing. It is straightforward and new editions are only $10. Well worth the investment.
Everything else? Just Google it and find it for free on someone's blog.
Everything else? Just Google it and find it for free on someone's blog.
I also think Scott McCloud's Making Comics and Understanding Comics are great if you're more interested in visual storytelling.
Classes: by far the question I get most often is whether or not someone should get an MFA. Short answer: no, you don't need it.
Community colleges usually offer writing classes. Only get an MFA if you want to teach writing or someone else is paying for it.
Community colleges usually offer writing classes. Only get an MFA if you want to teach writing or someone else is paying for it.
Industry Bullshit: Publisher's Lunch is really the only place I think is worth the money for an author who wants to keep up with what is happening in publishing. You should only sign up for this after you've sold a book, though. Because then it's a write off.
And always, ALWAYS remember that money should flow toward the author. Don't pay for editing unless you're planning on self publishing and you can count it as a production expense.
NEVER pay an agent upfront, they get 15% when the work is done or nothing at all.
NEVER pay an agent upfront, they get 15% when the work is done or nothing at all.
