HOW TO WRITE CREATIVELY AND BE PUBLISHED by Craig Lock
* Sounds rather funny, those words!
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 each 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 perserverance 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difference between a published and an unpublished writer.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
specialise 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 metaphor, 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 Singapore. Incidentally, I
believe the Far East is the growth area for English books in the
future. Thousands of fiction and non-fiction books are published
each year, as well as countless radio and television scripts.
There are also numerous stage plays performed throughout the
world. So you can see that there are enormous outlets for your
writing - especially if you have more than a touch of talent...
and I'm sure many of you do.
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 assurance 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!
N.B: 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
http://www.craiglockbooks.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are
available at: http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/books.html and http://www.bridgeniche.com
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE
P.S: Don't worry about the world ending today... it's already
tomorrow in "little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand
More articles on WRITING
What is Copyright and How Does One Protect It?
How to Write Creatively and Be Published
Some Writing Tips - 'A Simple Recipe for Writing Success'
Techniques, Tips and Advice for New Writers
'Write Rite' - How to Write Creatively and be published
Sharing some miscellaneous Writing Thoughts
Sharing some more Writing Tips
Sharing some thoughts in Writing the Novel
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