How to become a Writer

How to become a Writer You hate reading because you hate bland, unimaginative prose. You should become a Writer…The internet, blogs and the age of self-publishing mean there are more opportunities for Writers now than ever before. However, its important to point out that there are lots of different types of writer out there, doing dozens of different sorts of roles.For instance, a modern Writer might:Pen product descriptions for cataloguesWork at a content production agency coming up with exciting copy for websitesWrite short stories, novels or pieces of non-fiction for periodicalsWrite features for magazines and newspapersBlog about a specific subject or subjectsIs it right for me?Regardless of their medium, a good writer must have an excellent grasp of the English language. An appreciation for tone, and an almost unhealthy obsession with good grammar and punctuation are also essential.Many Writing jobs are on a freelance or self-employed basis, so determination and a consistently high level of output s hould not be underestimated.A good Writer will be:CreativeConfident in their own ability but objective enough to take constructive criticism on boardThick-skinned, and able to deal with rejectionFlexible, and prepared to work long hours, sometimes for little payAnti-procrastination (in ideology, if nothing else)Adaptable, and willing to edit and rewrite pieces at a moment’s noticeWhat's it really like? I started off my career writing the odd feature for a local newspaper and realised this was what I wanted to do with my life. However, I also have a passion for fiction, so I registered as a freelancer and started to send stories in to editors at different magazines. Eventually, I started to get sales - and I finally began to make enough to give up the day job. I'm now a novelist, which I still supplement with non-fiction sales - and I think I have the best job in the world. I can work when I like, and get to do something creative every day. It doesn't get much better than that. Ge t qualifiedIt is not a necessary requirement to have a degree to become a Writer. However, an English-based qualification may help you learn your craft.