Becoming a Writer-DCUM Writers What Are Your Tips?

[Anonymous]

This post will not prove this at all, however I have been told by multiple people that I should "become a writer." My earliest memory of this was in 7th grade--my teacher, who I despised actually, pulled me aside one day and told me I had a gift and should consider becoming a writer because I communicate effectively as though I'm talking directly to the reader and that is difficult to achieve. I ignored her at the time. However, throughout college and into my post-college years, I would hear the same things from professors, friends, and colleagues. A boyfriend of mine in my 20s told me point blank that I should become a writer and that my emails to him reminded him of his favorite author, Dave Barry. At the time I was completely floored that someone could even liken my writing to that of Dave Barry, but never pursued it. Then this past weekend, my friend looked me straight in the eye and told me I should really consider becoming a writer and it just struck me again--why do people keep telling me this and I don't act on it? The problem is that I really don't have anything interesting to write about. I haven't lived an interesting life and I just don't have any novel ideas to write about, but this message keeps being sent my way so maybe it's time to act on it. So, I have a question or several questions to any writers (published or unpublished) out there in the DCUM community--how did you get started? What did you do to pursue your love of writing? How did you begin this process? I can no longer ignore this message and I want to start honing this apparent skill, but I just don't know how, so I'm looking for some tips from writers out there. Do I just start getting words down on paper and go from there? Thanks and judging by this post, I'm sure you think I'm making this all up.

[Anonymous]

OP, real writers who actually make a living off of it aren't wasting their time writing on DCUM. But I'm sure you're about to get lots of responses from pompous posters anyway.

[Anonymous]

OP, here's a suggestion for starters: learn how to use paragraphs.

[Anonymous]

I recommend taking a writing class or three at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. It’s an incredible resource.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recommend taking a writing class or three at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. It’s an incredible resource.

I like that idea--thank you

[Anonymous]

Start a blog, like the 10 million that are out there, and see if you get any traction.
Post all the college papers and Dave Barry-esque emails that people seem to rave about and kept telling you pursue writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, here's a suggestion for starters: learn how to use paragraphs.

Yes, rambled on it a bit. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Start a blog, like the 10 million that are out there, and see if you get any traction.
Post all the college papers and Dave Barry-esque emails that people seem to rave about and kept telling you pursue writing.

Aren't blogs a thing of the past now?

[Anonymous]

Start an Etsy business selling personalized note cards, stationary , inspirational snippets for things like wedding/birthday/anniversary/graduation/condolences, etc.

[Anonymous]

Start a journal. That’s a place where you can basically play with clay. From the journal may come some essays - which are easy to write and often sell. If interested in money, the best racket is advice columns - maybe pick the youngest generation to focus on (become the Carolyn Hax of Gen A). You were smart to not listen to any of your friends or boyfriends or teachers. Writing hardly ever pays. Now if you suddenly are compelled to write - don’t care about making a cent - then you should become a writer. It is a profession that is utterly satisfying but will likely break your heart and your bank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Start a journal. That’s a place where you can basically play with clay. From the journal may come some essays - which are easy to write and often sell. If interested in money, the best racket is advice columns - maybe pick the youngest generation to focus on (become the Carolyn Hax of Gen A). You were smart to not listen to any of your friends or boyfriends or teachers. Writing hardly ever pays. Now if you suddenly are compelled to write - don’t care about making a cent - then you should become a writer. It is a profession that is utterly satisfying but will likely break your heart and your bank.

Not in it for the money. I have a nice job that pays well. Interested in pursuing something I have been told over and over again just to see where it takes me. Will start a journal and just start writing. Maybe that's a start.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely: keep a journal, and don't be shy about putting whatever you want into it. No one else has to see it unless you want them to. That's raw material that you can shape later.

“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” -- Oscar Wilde

[Anonymous]

To become a writer, write. Every day. Without fail. That's the secret. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Studying copywriting can help. Practice being as concise as possible. Finding a Twitter group or two that discusses complex issues helps with that! There are many professions made for excellent writers - family law lawyers, assessing psychologists, researchers. Explore their work. Read a new type of writing regularly. Find an audience.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I’m not a writer, but think it makes sense to ask your question here despite the naysayers. There are many outstanding writes on DCUM, including several who write professionally. Did you read this thread? https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1005803.page I found the authors sticking up for Dawn Dorland to be really impressive.