Ask the experts - how to become a writer
Mike Cracknell offers some tips for getting started as a writer, and avoiding common pitfalls along the way
There are many people who harbour an ambition to be a writer.
Some want to write romantic poems, some believe they have the ability to produce great novels and some are convinced that they could come up with sitcoms far funnier than the one they have just watched on TV.
The list of examples is considerably longer but I believe there is one thing they tend to have in common.
Most of them fail to achieve their aims for a very simple reason –
procrastination.
They never actually make a serious effort to start writing.
My own case is slightly different in that I never really had much interest in creative writing in my schooldays, although I read a lot and English was my favourite subject.
I began a career in the rubber industry and soon decided that when I was fully qualified I would write the definitive textbook on rubber technology that I felt did not exist at the time.
I started my research but soon put the project to one side and never
returned to it.
Nevertheless I was unconsciously developing writing skills by producing technical reports and I eventually started writing poems, purely by chance.
I was in an important meeting at work when the company accountant, of all people, came out with an extremely witty comment.
The effect it had on this August gathering inspired me to write a poem to record the event.
This was so well received that I was motivated to write more.
I was content to write comic verse without any thought of publication until I was encouraged by someone whose opinion I respected to take it more seriously.
From that point I attended creative writing courses, joined writing groups and as a result vastly broadened my horizons and deepened my knowledge.
I have experienced the joy and satisfaction of seeing my poems published and my plays performed.
If you feel you want to be a writer don't just think about it – get writing!
I am sure you will find it a rewarding experience.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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