What guidance would you offer to someone looking to "break into" writing as a fu

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   EyesStraightAheadposted 13 years ago

   What guidance would you offer to someone looking to "break into" writing as a full time career?
   
   What tips do you have for someone who wants to start a career in writing? Do you suggest looking for a position with an established newspaper, editing company, or publishing house? What do you think are the best steps to take?

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2. 68

   Jessi10posted 13 years ago

   The only advice that I would suggest is to make a work plan first. Do not start out just writing in every single site that you come across. You'll never be able to keep up with more than one writing site! 
   
   Set a goal for your business, make a goal for yourself, and work at it. Starting a blog is a FANTASTIC way to start making money. You can write as much as you can, and learn all about marketing as you further your career! Writing on Hubpages is also a great way to start making money!
   
   In order to look for a publishing house to make money from, you need to have a portfolio ready to show. This means, a lot of your previously published work.
   
   You can be a great freelance writer with time, you just need to work at it!

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3. 71

   cdub77posted 13 years ago

   I think an important thing to do is to realize what you want to write, and what you are qualified to write.  If you can find a marriage of those two things, then you have put two important pieces in place.  The best advice I've ever received is write constantly, and I'd only append it to add take into account your desire and ability.
   
   To get into it as a career, realize you must be patient, that it may take ten years, and take that time to grow.  The most successful writers are keen observers of human behavior as well as masters of language.  Studying life, as well as your craft, can only help you fine tune your native abilities.
   
   As to whether or not you need to do one specific thing or not (like join a writing group, join a writing site, find an agent), keep in mind there is more than one way to skin a cat.  What works for you, works for you.  If someone tells you it doesn't work for them, listen to why it doesn't work and use your own judgment. 
   
   Most of all, learned to be satisfied with the act of producing your writing because if you are in this for recognition or money, you'll forever find yourself needing more.  The only way I've learned to have true satisfaction as a writer is when I am proud of what I have written for reasons I understand.  This is what gives me belief in it in the face of rejection and opposition.  This sustains me.  If this sounds like something you can identify with, then you will have the tenacity, discipline, and patience for the readers to come.
   
   Hopefully some of this helps!

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   cheaptoysposted 13 years ago

   this is a real tough question. there are many ways to do this but I would say try to get some publishing companies to print your work and never ever give up!

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   billybucposted 13 years ago

   If writing is your passion then never let anyone talk you out of it....including yourself.  There will always be tax accountants and lawyers and car mechanics, but the ability to turn words into beauty is a gift few have.  That would be my words of advice....follow your passion.....on a practical level, do your homework...read about freelance writing...establish your business....run it as a business....treat it like a business.  And if this is actually about you, Eyes, then drop me a line and I'll run a bunch of stuff by you.

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6. 69

   Sky9106posted 13 years ago

   Bless . I would say start  exactly from where you first felt that need. Write something about it and throw it into places like this. For a youth all that you mentioned can be good based on what area they might love the most.
   
   There is quite a big difference between the Wanting and the needing!
   Wanting is usually temporary, while the needing is a necessity,
   the need can't easily be changed, so where ever it was first felt, the need
   to be a writer should have a lot to do with the future.that grounds should be used as the drive setting up the necessary foundation.
   
   someplace in you there has to be a love for what you are doing, or will love to do.  When you are true to that belief , and  went ahead your truth will most definitely direct you , The it will come and it won't ever stop. Love never dies. Because it's an ongoing process of admiration, just like it is with all other careers. 
   
   Some takes you an entire lifetime. Just like it is with life. We must understand that   it is to be the journey that it is, and not the destination, so many are taking it to be.
   
   I saw something great as I wrote this. Life is amazing.
   Bless , give thanks.

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