Writing Vehicles 2

From Kate’s Writing Crate…   

           

         

          Writing careers go in all different directions. There is no straight line, only individual paths.

          I always wanted to be an author, but the first professional writing offer I received was intern at a magazine. I had never considered writing articles, essays, columns, and book reviews, yet I learned on the job and have been published regularly since then. I worked my way up to editor, another job I had never considered, but found I had a talent and a love for it. I started blogging, too. Now I’m working on a non-fiction book—I tried writing a novel and failed spectacularly—and I’m also working on a screenplay.

          Recently, I had lunch with a friend who is the author of 16 books. She was an early reader who knew she was going to write books. She writes young adult novels now although her first love was children’s books.

For the latest issue of one magazine, I interviewed an author of three historical novels. I learned that she was a history major in college. She started out as a playwright then turned one of her seven plays into a screenplay. While writing those projects, she had an idea for a novel and started that, too. Several of her plays were produced. Her screenplay garnered some attention, but novels won out in the end.

Bestselling author Louise Penny was a respected journalist who started to write a non-fiction book. Five frustrating years later, she switched to the mystery genre. Her award-winning Inspector Gamache series is 13 books and counting.

Until you try writing a certain format, you won’t know if it’s a good vehicle for you. Try writing what appeals to you, then branch out. Find what works for you. Hone in on those vehicles. See where they take you. 

Put the Time In

 

From Kate's Writing Crate…

        For most careers, there are educational or experience requirements. You know exactly what it takes to achieve your goals.

        For writers, the career path isn't as clear. Education can help, but it isn't a guarantee. Experience of any kind is a plus, but the reality is you have to write.

        I recommend reading Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg and The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Stephen Pressfield. Goldberg's book gave me a concrete way to really start writing. Pressfield's book keeps me writing every day.

        Six-Word Memoirs ® are a fun and easy way to begin any writing session if you feel stuck. Visit the website or read one of the books written by writers famous and obscure.

I wish someone had given me this simple advice when I first knew I wanted to be a writer:

        To succeed as a writer, you must read and write.

Write. Write. Write.

Read. Read. Read.

Write. Write. Write.

If a writing life is your dream, write.

Keep yourself on deadline.

        Fill a spiral notebook a month every month, as recommended in Writing Down the Bones, for years/decades.

        Write a weekly/daily blog.

Build up your life-long word count.

        Write. Write. Write.

       

The hardest part is starting.

Pick up your pen or sit at your computer and write.

Use writing prompts or write Six-Word Memoirs®

        Write about what you love.

        Write. Write. Write.

        Carry a notepad at all times.

        Jot down thoughts and observations.

        Make this a habit.

        Write. Write. Write.

        Take a writing class.

        Start or join a writing group.

        Enter a writing contest.

        Write. Write. Write.

Then Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

       

Contact local or national publications or websites for assignments or suggest ideas.

        Submit articles and essays to favorite publications.

Editors always have space to fill.

        Be professional and meet deadlines.

        Write. Write. Write.

        Then Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

        Set a daily word or page count for your book.

Meet your daily word or page count goal.

Write. Write. Write.

Then Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

Put the time in.

It's as easy and as difficult as that.

It's also challenging and fun.

You have a calling.

Answer it.

Write! Write! Write!