How Do You Become a Writer?

There's an old axiom "Writers write." Well, the only way to become a writer is to sit down and start writing. Does that sound too easy? Well, it's really not.

If you want to be a writer, you must already feel that you have a story to tell. Well, the first thing to do then, is to tell the story. Get busy writing. Once it's finished, let someone read it. Suddenly, you're a writer!! woo hoo That's what I've been doing so far. It makes me feel good, and I have fun with it.

A better question to ask yourself is how do you become a published author?

From what I understand, the solution is just as simple:

Read as much as you can.
Learn how to take criticism.
Learn to accept rejection.
Learn grammar.
Learn how to spell.
Write stories.
Learn how to edit.
Learn how to submit your work to a market (there's lot's of books out there on that).
Be professional (even if you're submitting your first story).
Find a market and submit your work.
Be diligent.

As of the revision of this article, I am beginning to submit my work.* I'm waiting with anticipation to see if I can get a story published. But if one market rejects me, there's always another market to submit my manuscripts to, and another market, and another. As I write and learn more about the process, I'll be adding more to this web site.

Until then, check out some of the books in my bookstore. I highly recommend the Stephen King book and the Orson Scott Card book "How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy." The Card book is great for any genre, but is a superb work for new science fiction writers. Also, the Strunk & White book is a must! Grammar is important after all.

* I've published a few short stories since I first wrote this article, along with a handful of articles. Take a look at my publications page to read them.