Future author seeking advice?

Question

I really want to become an author when I'm a bit older. I know before I become a full time author is would help to get magazine articles and reviews published first. Is there any authors/journalists on yahoo answers who can give me some advice about these professions?

Answer 1

If you're serious about being an author there are two things you can do right now to help you along your path.  The first is read as much as you can and the second is write as much as you can.  This is true no matter what type of writing you want to do in the future.  Try to read things in the genre and around the age level that you want to write so that you see what's out there and learn how to craft words together.  Write too, even if it's just keeing a daily journal.

The other thing to know is that writing for magazines/newspapers is completely different from writing fiction.  But if you're looking to magazine/newspaper writing my suggestion would be to get involved with your school paper, either in high school, college or both.  It's a great learning ground and it will show you how to write stories.  But like I said it's completely different from writing short stories/novels.  When you're writing for print media it's just the facts.  Even with a review it's still facts about what you're writing and then your opinion.

But when you're writing fiction you have to create the world for the reader.  You have to create the characters.  And you have to be able to describe in detail both your characters and you settings.  And it's a whole different ballgame.  One's not better than the other, they're just different types of writing.  Especially because in print media you have be more aware of you're word count so you can't add as much detail into as you would a short story or novel.

Anyway hope that helps.

Answer 2

I am interesting in writing myself. What is your audience. Are you targeting the science community history or more main stream such as fashion and clothes or fiction.  I would recommend enrolling on the course  http://www.writersbureaucourse.com/?gcli...

They have modules which cover a variety of areas from fiction to non fiction and writing articles for magazines. In fact they are so confident if you don't sell pieces of your work by the end of the course worth more then the course fee you will get your money back. I think if your serious you should consider it. Also since you have time to think about. I would recommend looking at layouts of books and publishes. Also look at magazines. A great way to get into writing articles is write for your school paper. I hope this is helpful.

good luck and all the best.  

Answer 3

The classic advice is to "write what you know." A good start would be to keep a daily journal, especially if you go on a trip. You might later use the material as a setting in a book.

Read some of the magazines for writers. Poets and Writers is good. Writer's Digest I would rate second.