I want to be a writer but.....?

Question

I've always wanted to be a writer. I love writing and reading. Everything about it. I love the way you can create stories. I love the way you can make your own world. I love the freedom.

The thing is.....I hate most literature! I hate Shakespeare. I hate everything about it. I kinda like his stories---but he's not one of my favorites.

BUT I do like Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

Is this okay?

I am 16 and going to be a junior in high school this year. I dropped AP English over the summer because I wasn't up to the assignment.

Also, I hate most other literature that doesn't make sense (people who talk like Shakespeare)

PLEASE Explain to me everything you know about this. Full length answers would be appreciated.

THANKS.

Answer 1

Nobody actually enjoys Shakespeare. We study him because we have to. Shakespeare is not all that there is to Literature.

There are also tons of books that aren't considered "Literature". In fact, most of the stuff that sells a lot and makes loads of money for its writers is the stuff that ISN'T considered literature. The Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, the Twilight Series, they sell by the dump-truck but aren't considered literature. Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Stephen King: not a literary writer in the bunch, but they're just rolling in the dough.

And then you have stuff like the Hound of the Baskervilles which IS considered literature but also happens to be a ripping good yarn. (or, at least, I think so).

So in summation, you don't have to like the literary "Greats" to be able to write.  

Answer 2

An important part of becoming a writer is not necessarily appreciating every style of writing but understanding it and grasping its importance to literature.

Shakespeare is definitely not everybody's favorite read.  But hopefully you can appreciate the way he was able to create his stories (and some would say masterpieces) well before a lot of writing was out there.  

There's nothing wrong with liking some authors better than others!  I also enjoy Mark Twain and Charles Dickens.  They are both classic authors who had a great way of telling stories and a unique ability to hook readers.  Great Expectations is a personal favorite, although I like all of Dickens' writing.

That is great that you enjoy reading and writing so much.  But don't be afraid to challenge yourself to take on a bigger class.  If you are wary about an AP class strictly because of a notion that some of the stuff won't be for you, don't be afraid to give it a try!    Either way, the important thing is to follow your goals.  Stick to what you are doing and you will do great!  

Answer 3

I am the same exact way. I love reading and being able to write my own stories. But, I hate english class. It just bores me to death. I am fifteen and am a sophmore. I think its just because learning it just isn't the same as writing it. I mean, when you write your own story it's exciting, but when you have to learn all of the puncuation and c**p it's not as interesting. Lol I can't really explain it well.

Answer 4

You do not have to like them to write.I would be better to learn from them but if you are looking to write a novel read your favorite author's books and learn from the way they write.So again you do not need to love them to write.

Answer 5

First, stop thinking of literature in terms of hating it!  You don't understand Shakespeare, et al., therefore, find such material difficult to read!  If you want to become a legitimate (published author), you need an education with a major in English -- no doubt you will be required to read Shakespeare and other classic authors.  If you simply can not bear the idea of furthering your education with college, then simply write; practice may enable you to achieve proficiency.  Your question is legibly written which is a good sign.  If you possess an ingenious imagination and are able to channel your ideas into intriguing and unique concepts, you may well become a writer without having to expend time pouring over those writings which you "hate".  There ARE successful authors who are "naturals" and who have not attended college.  If writing is indeed your passion, "just do it" as the cliche goes!  Good luck!

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong with that. I love to write too, even though I absolutely cannot stand writers such as Shakespeare. Most novels bore me. At least when I write my own, I enjoy it, and know that others out there who are like me will enjoy it also. However, make sure you expose yourself to a wide variety of literature, even if you hate it - it will greatly improve your writing skills. If writing is your passion... then go for it.

Answer 7

Here is an answer that might put things into perspective--

I didn't like high school English class, but I loved to read. I was a book worm. I loved to get lost in stories. I also wrote in my spare time. I am now a high school English teacher. I teach in an entirely different way that I learned. I try to help my students understand that we all have different literary taste. While they keep in a secret, most English teachers hate certain major authors. I don't prefer to read Hemingway, but I love the Bronte sisters. I love Catcher in the Rye and my coworker hates it. Shakespeare is not the key to being a writer. You either a) don't like his work or b) haven't been taught it in a way that is exciting or interesting.

Either way, it doesn't make you a person who doesn't appreciate and love books and reading. Continue reading and learn to navigate your way through books. Figure out which authors you enjoy, and don't let anyone tell you that you are less of a writer for not liking Shakespeare. Best-selling authors are often denied by publishers and agents. That is because publishing companies and agents don't share the same taste. Continue writing and one day, if you decide to try to get published, have thick skin.  You may get denied by several agents, but eventually, you could make it big and be famous! GOOD LUCK!