“Write rite” - How to write creatively and be published
by Craig Lock Oops - sounds funny that phrase!
"I never had any doubts about my abilities. I knew I could write. I just had to figure out how to eat while doing this."
- Cormac McCarthy
"It took me 15 years to find out that I had no talent for writing, but by then I couldn't give it up, because by then I was
too famous to give up."
- Robert Benchley
To be a published writer is one of the most rewarding occupations and pastimes - both financially and creatively. I find it a very
satisfying and enjoyable activity.
I can't each you how to write, let alone how to be a writer. All I can do is give you some tips and guidelines, which hopefully
will make it a lot easier...if that is what you really want to do. They are all based on what I have learnt by doing it myself - usually through the long process of trial and error. I hope they are interesting and helpful to you in your quest to be a writer.
There are no ABC's in writing. Having the ability to put words down on paper is only the beginning to writing. There is a great
deal more to be learned on the techniques.
Don't give up after rejection follows rejection. Whatever you do, PERSERVERE. Remember perserverance and not talent is often
the difference between a published and an unpublished writer.
There is a huge market for creative work. As a result of enormous demand, editors amd publishers are continually on the lookout
for new writers and fresh ideas. Freelance writers can earn good fees and royalties. However, I found that one has to specialise
and make decisions: either write books or articles for "maggies".
What is the size of the market? There are over 50000 magazines and newspapers published in English world wide, including the
gate-way to the Asian market in Singapore. Incidentally, I believe the Far East is the growth area for English books in the
future. Thousands of fiction and non-fiction books are published each year, as well as countless radio and television scripts.
There are also numerous stage plays performed throughout the world. So you can see that there are enormous outlets for your
writing - especially if you have more than a touch of talent...and I'm sure many of you do.
Once you have learned how to write for these markets, you should have no difficulty selling your work. I believe that writing is
a skill, which like other artistic skills, you can learn and develop with practice. Just like a sportsman or artisan, the more you write, the better you will become. So write as often as you can. I definitely feel that my writing abilities have improved dramatically in the last two* long years, since I have totally dedicated myself to the pursuit.
* Now ten!
I do not think that an aspiring writer needs any special educational qualifications or background to be a writer. Writers
come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Look at me! My father was a life assurance salesman, then rose to executive.
The only family link is my grandfather Billy, who was a sports journalist.
Because writing is a relatively easy and inexpensive pursuit to get into, nearly everyone has the same opportunities. However,
how far you go will largely depend upon your own creative talent and application. Also how much you really DESIRE to be a writer.
N.B.DETERMINATION and PERSISTENCE more than anything else will get you there. I believe that most people will find abundant
amounts of these qualities within them. If you look hard enough and are really tested. But only once they have found what it is
that they really want to do with their lives. Hopefully there'll be more writers around in the future, because they are "the eyes
of the world". You see the world through the unique perspective of the author.
Enough on that subject. I've written plenty about it in my book STEPS TO SUCCESS, PROSPERITY and HAPPINESS already.
Plug plug!
There is tremendous power in imagination: YOUR creative imagination.
Albert Einstein stated: "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Napoleon believed that "the human race is governed by it's imagination."
Pascal: "Imagination disposes of everything; it creates beauty, justice and happiness, which is everything in this world."
Use it well and it's amazing power will astound you - in your writing as well as in all areas of your life.
I hope the above information may be helpful to you in writing creatively and getting published.
Happy writing and enjoy the journey
About the author:
Craig Lock has had six books published on various subjects with another 12 manuscripts published online. Writing Course: Online Creative Writing course: http://www.craiglock.com/downloads/cwcourse.htm (The "original" online creative writing course)
Books by Craig Lock are available at: http://www.craiglock.com/books.html and http://www.bridgeniche.com
* Hard copies and e-books - fiction and non-fiction: self help, personal growth, inspiration, travel, humour, novels and money books. All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE
What's the definition of an aspiring author? A waiter!
What's the difference between a writer and a family pizza? The pizza can feed a family of four!
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