The first in a series on how to become a writer.
We get asked a lot by friends, family, and strangers on how we became writers.
“Did you go to school for that?”
“Do you make good money?”
We’ve had our hands in many types of writing. We are published authors, we’ve written many non-fiction pieces across digital and print publications, we’ve done creative writing for a video game, and we’ve written for TV and social media. I teach a course at a university on academic and research writing. I also volunteer as a mentor to aspiring writers through a non-profit website.
So, how do you become a writer?
This will be the first in a series of articles exploring this very question. Perhaps you are an aspiring writer reading this. Or maybe you are seasoned and looking to expand your knowledge of the field, or are just roaming the interwebs. This first post is an overview of what to expect coming up, as well as the types of writer you can be.
What topics will be covered in upcoming blogs?
- What education or training you can pursue.
- How to find your first job.
- Information on writing careers including freelance, contract, and full-time.
- What employers look for on a resume.
- And more!
What Type of Writer Should I Be?
If you’re reading this, you are most likely interested in creative writing and being a book author. But we are involved in various types of writing, and you can be, too. This is not a comprehensive list, but here’s an overview of different types of writing you can specialize in.
- Fiction Author – You publish books or short stories with fictional people and situations. You can either self-publish or traditional-publish. A great imagination, a good eye for editing, and time management are key.
- Non-Fiction Author – You publish books such as biographies and memoirs for clients, academic pieces, self-help, special topic books, and more. Good research skills and having an open mind to learn are essential.
- Narrative Designer – You write for the gaming industry including narrative stories, character creation, dialogue, and world building. You need to have a huge imagination, and the ability to collaborate as part of a large team.
- Journalist / Content Writer – You cover everything from local news, global news, product reviews, lifestyle articles, and op-eds. This field is centered on meeting deadlines and adhering to each business’ unique style of writing.
- Technical Writer – You apply your writing skills to professional documents. This might be training manuals, resumes for clients, grant applications, and more. Specialized knowledge of a certain industry will carry you far in this role.
- Copywriter – You write marketing communications to get people to buy products and services. These might be social media posts, newsletters, slogans, and information on product landing pages. The ability to be creative and think outside the box will set you apart.
- Script Writer – This is adjacent to being an author, but it is its own specialized niche. You write scripts for TV shows, podcasts, or movies. You must be a good editor and able to take a lot of feedback from others.
Stay on the lookout for future posts as we talk more about how to become a writer!