Dream of Becoming a Writer

Story of a Young Writer

Dreams of becoming a writer are almost part of the human condition. We all feel a need to document the lives we’re living, especially as we get older. But some of us had that urge from the beginning. I sure did, starting about age ten. And I sometimes hear from others who began young to dream of becoming a writer.

Recently I received an email from a librarian and teacher who has a very special student — a girl who dreams of being a writer. At an early age, she shows seriousnes about pursuing her dream of writing. At 12 years old, about the age I got serious about my dream, this girl has not only begun to write, but she has also researched to find the tools she might need to learn this art and even the business of getting published. Her curiosity and detrmination led her to compile lists of resources. Her wonderful teacher wrote to offer me the one she thought the best, to help other aspiring young writers. I’ve added this link to my Resources for Writers page — check it out, it’s full of goodies:

Comprehensive List of Articles on How to Become a Writer

When I was 12, there was no Internet. In my small town, San Pedro, California, our only library was full of paper books divided into “Adults” and “Children”. I wasn’t allowed in the Adults section. The librarians weren’t always available to answer questions. And I had tons of questions.

My questions revolved around getting published. I had been inspired by reading two series of novels: Nancy Drew and the Oz books. My thoughts were how to write and illustrate a book like Ozma of Oz — my favorite because of the illustrations — and how to find a publisher. I asked my mother and was told I was too young to think about publication. She seemed offended that I would put the cart before the horse and wish to become an author before even finishing a novel.

My Dreams of Being a Writer

But dreams don’t obey the laws of logic or polite society! Without anyone to guide me, I did the two things an aspiring write must do: I wrote and read a LOT. Stephen King says about reading and writing: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.. reading is the creative center of a writer’s life…you cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.”

Art and creativity isn’t something you can really teach, but you can learn a lot by emulating what engages you. “You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.” I was inspired by reading, and to this day, I study techniques of fiction by reading novels that grab me and then figuring out what makes them so appealing. Then I try out those same techniques.

Now there is an immense library — the Internet — and we all have access to it. We can even ask questions and find mentors. Aspiring authors can find information from the best editors, authors, universities, and teachers — and all of it for free. Great paid resources exist online too, in the form of classes, workshops, editors, and book coaches. And lots of stuff is free or low cost. Go forth, new writer, and read and write and publish (even self-publish, like me)!

I wish you the best. Take a look at my collection of articles in Resources for Writers. And don’t hesitate to write to me with questi