Writing is, without a doubt, one of the most popular pastimes in this country. This nation was born to write and has produced some of the world’s greatest and most talented and influential authors in history. While many write in their spare time as a hobby, though, it is possible to make a living out of this talent - if the would-be author is sufficiently motivated. One thing that trips aspiring writers up, however, is a lack of education as to how writers get their start. In this article I will give a brief overview of what is required of a writer in order to get his or her start in the writing business.
What Skills Do You Need?
This is a subjective question, and depends greatly on what field you’re in, but in general a writer absolutely must have a desire to write. As with any career, you cannot succeed if you genuinely do not have a passion for what you do. Writing is no different. Writing requires patience and diligence, as well as focus and motivation when necessary. If you are reading this, you likely already have this trait. A good grasp of basic grammar is also needed, as is a proficiency at spelling and other mechanics of English. Writing is all about effective communication, and if your grammar is lacking or your sentences confusing, then your writing won’t do its job. Experience in whatever you’re discussing is also a plus but it is by no means required.
Do I Need A Degree?
No, you don’t. Anyone can write. All it takes is a pen and paper (or computer) and an imagination. That’s it. Voltaire wrote some of his best works while in prison. Lincoln wrote one of the world’s greatest speeches with a substantial lack of formal education. You don’t need a degree to be a writer, but it certainly couldn’t hurt (and it could definitely help) to either take writing classes in high school and college or get an actual degree in fine arts. Education is about instruction and refinement; the more educated and practiced you are, the better you’ll be.
What Ways Can I Get My Writing Out There?
If you want people out there to read your work - and what author doesn’t? - then there are plenty of ways to do that. You can go the old-fashioned route and attempt to get your work published, either in a book, a magazine, a newspaper (even a letter to the editor), or an anthology. Or, you could go high-tech and put your work out there on a blog. Sites such as WordPress (http://www.wordpress.com) are free to any aspiring blogger who wants to be heard. You don’t have to be published in order to be a successful writer, but for many it is the best and most successful path to being a commercial writer - although it must be said that it takes a great deal of patience, hard work, and luck to get published. The bottom line is this: Anyone who is dedicated and motivated enough can finish a work and get it out there for readers to enjoy. All you have to do is persevere.
Being a writer, in the end, is no different than any other career or occupation. It takes diligence and patience, as well as a touch of creativity. But in the end, it is definitely possible to be a writer, even without formal education of any kind. All it takes is work (and a little bit of fun).
