Write Right-How to Write Creatively and be Published
by Craig
Lock
To be a published writer is one
of the most rewarding occupations and pastimes - both financially and
creatively. I find it a very satisfying and enjoyable activity.
I can't teach you how to write,
let alone how to be a writer. All I can do is give you some tips and
guidelines, which hopefully will make it a lot easier...if that is what you
really want to do. They are all based on what I have learnt by doing it myself
- usually through the long, hard process of trial and error. I hope they are
interesting and helpful to you in your quest to be a published writer.
There are no ABC's in writing.
Having the ability to put words down on paper is only the beginning to writing.
There is a great deal more to be learned on the techniques.
Don't give up after rejection
follows rejection. Whatever you do, PERSERVERE. Remember perseverance and not
talent is often the difference between a published and an unpublished writer.
MARKETS
There is a huge market for
creative work. As a result of enormous demand, editors amd publishers are
continually on the lookout for new writers and fresh ideas. Freelance writers
can earn good fees and royalties. However, I found that one has to specialize
and make decisions: either to try to "forge" a career writing books,
otherwise write articles for "maggies", as a free-lance writer. I
chose the far harder first option...and learn a lot about the book publishing
business down the "river of life"*! * That's a metaphore, BTW.
What is the size of the market?
There are over 50000 magazines and newspapers published in English world wide,
including the gate-way to the Asian market in
Once you have learned how to
write for these markets, you should have no difficulty selling your work. I
believe that writing is a skill, which like other artistic skills, you can
LEARN and develop with practice. Just as a sportsman or artisan masters their
craft, the more you write, the better you will become. So write as often as you
can. I definitely feel that my writing abilities have improved dramatically
over the long years, since I have totally dedicated myself to the pursuit. At
least I think so!
I do not think that an aspiring
writer needs any special educational qualifications, or background to be a
writer. Writers come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Look at me! My
father was a life insurance salesman, then rose to executive. The only family
link is my grandfather Billy, who was a sports journalist.
Because writing is a relatively
easy and inexpensive pursuit to get into, nearly everyone has the same
opportunities. However, how far you go in your writing career will largely
depend upon your own creative talent and application. Also how much you really
DESIRE to be a writer. Enough on that subject. I've written plenty about it in
my book STEPS TO SUCCESS, PROSPERITY and HAPPINESS already. Plug plug!
DETERMINATION and PERSISTENCE
more than anything else will get you there. I believe that most people will
find abundant amounts of these qualities within them. If you look hard enough
and are really tested. But only once they have found what it is that they
really want to do with their lives. In reading you see the world through the
unique perspective of the author.
Hopefully there'll be more
quality writers around in the future; because they are "the eyes of the
world" through using the amazing powers of the human imagination - the
"workshop, the mirror of the soul".
Happy writing
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com
About the author:
Craig Lock is an author of numerous
books and the creator of the "original" online creative writing
course. http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html
This extract is from Craig's
brand new manuscript HOW TO WRITE AND BE PUBLISHED - ALL I KNOW ABOUT WRITING,
which is available at http://www.bridgeniche.com/CLOCK/zaniestbooks.htm To
order email clock@xtra.co.nz