by Penny A. Zeller
 Are you a weekend writing warrior who writes poetry? Are you one
who loves to interview others and get their story onto paper? Are
you working on the next greatest novel? Do you fantasize about winning
the Newbery Medal for your children’s book? Or are all of the
above dreams that you dream in between carpooling the kids to soccer
practice, working a full time job, and washing the dishes? If so,
how can you become a writer? Below are a few hints
to get you on your way.
Realize you ARE a writer.
A friend of mine who recently joined our writing group told me the
other day that she wasn’t sure she should attend the upcoming
writer’s retreat because she had not yet published anything.
I quickly spouted off my famous wise words, "Thou art a writer
if one writes, not only if thou has been published. Publication
makes no difference, it only shares the written piece with a wider
audience." So remember, if you love to write, whether it be
poetry or fiction, you are a writer, even if you have never been
published.
Let everyone know.
When someone asks you your profession, you most definitely should
say you are a writer. It is highly unlikely they will ask you for
a run down of the publications your work has appeared in. They
are more apt to say, “Wow, that’s great. What type
of stuff do you write?” You can then answer appropriately.
This also helps to reinforce the idea in your own mind. I recall
when I first became a writer. A woman asked me my profession and
I answered meekly, “I’m a writer.”
Being from a mostly-rural state, I should not have been surprised
by her response. “So, do you train the horses too?” she
asked me. It took me a moment to realize what she had said when I
answered, “Oh, not a rider, I am a writer.
I write for magazines!” I did not bother telling her I had
written articles that were both writing and riding related.
 Be a sponge.
A writer’s conference nearby? Attend it. A writer’s retreat
or seminar? Be there. A college course on how to fine-tune your grammar
skills? Sign up. Be ready to soak up any information you can about
writing. Books on the writing craft are very helpful also. A few
I have found to be especially helpful are: Write Where you
Live - Successful Freelancing at Home by Elaine Fantle
Shimberg and Writing for Dollars - 75 Tips for the Freelance
Writer by John McCollister.
Connect, connect, connect!
Plan on joining a local writing group. Connect and spend time with
other writers. Ask questions. Subscribe to writing newsletters.
Join writing organizations. The benefits are numerous.
Find a mentor.
Be on the lookout for an experienced writer to be your mentor. Latch
on to someone who is willing to give honest critiques of your work,
answer your questions, and help you get a start toward your dream.
You never know, someday you may have the honor of being a new writer’s
mentor!
Start a fan club.
Long before anyone else believed in me, my grandmother did. I have
never forgotten her positive words. To this day, although she lives
in another state, I keep her updated on my current projects and
mail her copies of everything I have written. Children are good
fans also. When I finished my children’s book at 11:30 p.m.,
I ran (taking two steps at once) downstairs and excitedly exclaimed
to my oldest daughter, Madisyn, “Guess what! Mommy finished
her book!” Thankfully, my 4-year-old is a night owl like
me; I didn’t have to worry about waking her up. She hugged
me and said, “Oh Mommy, I’m so proud of you!”
Spouses are great fans too. My husband, although his eyes have glazed
over a time or two listening to written pieces that are of obvious
non-interest to him, he has always been quick to encourage. As a
matter of fact, I believe he will be the best marketing tool for
future and present projects.
So whether it is a friend, spouse, child, or grandmother, find someone
who will continually give you positive feedback about your chosen
career.
Become tough.
Yes, there will be times when your hard work will be rejected and
you will want to crawl into a hole and bawl for days. Writing psychiatrists
will tell you this is normal. But part of being a writer is to
accept the good with the bad. Realize there is a large supply of
publications and publishers to which to submit your work. Accept
the challenge of finding just the right home for your written piece.
Write, write, write!
Make it a habit to write something everyday. It does not have to
be long. Set the timer for 15 minutes and write about anything
and everything. Even writing in a journal everyday will give you
the practice you need. If you are interested in writing on specific
topics, many books and websites offer writing exercises or “writing
prompts.”
Try to become organized.
As I write this, my desk is piled high with stuff to file, stuff
to submit, stuff to weed-out, and just plain stuff. That said,
when you become a writer, you will need a few basic tools for organization.
These include file folders (for each piece you have written--yes
keep them all!), a filing cabinet (to put file folders, sample
copies of magazines, check stubs, and clips in), and a special
binder with a chart to keep track of submissions. Divide the chart
into six areas: date, title of piece, where submitted, date submitted,
what was included with submission (SASE), and response. Be sure
to stock up on everyday office supplies, such as a stapler, pens,
letterhead, envelopes, and stamps. You will also need a ledger
to keep track of expenses and income from your writing for tax
time.
Buy a frame.
Yes, you will have that moment of absolute happiness when your first
piece (or book!) is published. Make a copy of the acceptance letter
or cover of your book and place it in a “document frame.” Display
it in a prominent place.
So gear up for the exciting career of being a writer. Strive to
write something daily, be dedicated and work hard, learn from others,
and watch your dream come true!
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