If you want to become a good writer...?

Question

how many hours should you read for and how many hours to write?

and while reading should you type down the sentences you like on a typewriter to remember them etc?

I'm 13 and I really want to become an author.

Answer 1

I don't think there is a set standard to be honest, it is up to the individual and what works for them. I read when I feel like it, I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go (for ideas etc) and I write when I am in the correct mental frame for it - but that is just me! I know others who write each day no matter what is going on or how they feel. I know people who read ALL the time and then dont write that much at all.... what works for you?

Answer 2

Stephen King suggests 4 hours a day of each.  Which is ridiculous if you already have a job.  I'd say, and mind you I'm no great mind, if you read a book a week and write 500 words a day you'll be doing better than most.  When writing a novel, don't skip a day, or the story will grow dank in your mind and you'll spend most of your time trying to remember who that was or what just happened in the story rather than adding to it.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say there is a set number of hours that you should read for. Every one is different, so reads at different speeds etc. I would recommend reading lots of different genres and styles.

As for writing, I would say an hour or two a night for now.

If you are interested there are some really good websites that you can post things on.

http://www.fictionpress.com/

This website is really good as you can post your orignal fiction or poetry. Readers will review and tell you what you can do to improve

http://www.fanfiction.net/

Fanfiction are basically stories about tv shows, movies, books etc. Writing fan fiction is really good practice for a young writer, because it allows you to create your own plots, but you don't have to create a whole set of characters etc. Plus it's really good fun. I'm 15 and also want to be an author, my writings really improved since I began to write fan fiction, but it's not for everyone.

Hope this has helped, and good luck.

Answer 4

     If you like reading, read.  If you like writing, write.  If you dislike doing either one, look for something else to do.  But obviously you want to write, or you wouldn't have asked the question.  Don't set time limits on yourself, either for reading or writing, whatever you do.  Writing is art, and you can't time it.  If you want to write down sentences from books, do it.  I do recommend you grab a notebook and write down ideas as they come to you.  Also characters.  If you see someone who seems a little off-beat, try weaving a story around him/her.  What do they do?  What secrets do they have?  Perhaps they tell you a secret.  What is it?

     I hope this helps,

Good luck

Mike B

Answer 5

You can read and write for however many hours you choose.

I think it's best to set yourself a certain amount of time for each and stick by that daily. I currently read for around four hours and write for about an hour.

I make a note of the page number and the name of the book. It helps me to decide on how to write a certain part of a story or bring across a certain aspect.

I also would like to become an author and, from what I have learnt - by reading different peoples tips - is that any story ideas you get, jot them down. Maybe carry a notebook with you and if you find a good plot out of something you see or have any ideas during the day you can work on them during your specified time.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 6

You could just scribble them down with a pen.

You need to be skilled, imaginative, and not too attached. Sometimes we all get so attached to a character/story that we fail to see that it's not working.

Answer 7

It doesn't really matter how long you read/write, as long as you make sure to do it for a little while every day, even if it's just 15 minutes. It's a good idea to keep a notebook where you can collect things that inspire you, and you can write down your favorite passages in there. If you read and write every day, you're sure to improve a lot. Ray Bradbury writes a short story every day when he wakes up. That's a lot, but it's something I like to keep in mind to inspire me.

Answer 8

Well, your probably not going to get an answer from anyone here who has written or published a book. However, I will try to give you some pointers because I am in college, and working towards a degree in English, with hopes of writing and publishing literature someday.

-You want reading and writing to be a thing of habit, it would be great if you could implement this hobby with the free time you have. Excessive television, video games, and texting have become a thing of habit for today's disenfranchised youth. I'm not saying that these things are inherently evil, but they're never going to help you with regards to writing or anything productive along those lines.

-Learn how to write coherently, and use proper grammar. It's a thing of rarity on Yahoo Answers to find someone capable of posting a question or answer that follows these simple and basic guidelines. If you want to become an author, you have to write like one. Try to use capitalization and punctuation whenever you write. I'll give you some slack because you are only 13 years old, but you should learn to write as though it were going to be edited or graded, even if it isn't. Most people today don't take the time to do any of these things, but it should be a focal-point for anyone considering a career in writing.

Understand that writing is not an easy field, and very few ever make it big as a writer (same odds as professional athletics or acting). Writing careers are also dwindling, considering how reading is on a steady decline as other forms of media have taken heed in recent decades. But if you want to do it, go for it, and make it part of your daily routine like an athlete's training. As for typing down sentences you like while reading, I personally don't see any real purpose to that end. You should focus more on building a better understanding of the language overall, not looking for small phrases or sentences that seem appealing or cool.

Answer 9

What I recommend is for you to read tips on how to be an author, read the book probably 30 minutes a day and try writing stories and put it on the net and see how people will react.

Give it a shot please: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...