Please help me find an answer - Writers Forum

tfurrows · 05-01-2007, 09:17 PM

For ten years I've been plodding away at my career not knowing for sure if it was really what I wanted. Today I work as an engineer for a mega-corp, in a company that I should be proud to work for, but I still find myself vocationally unfulfilled. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to be an author, and I find myself longing to find the path that would lead me into that line of work.

As for marketing, sales, logistics; in short, all the business aspects of becoming a published author, I believe I have a good start. My questions lie in the actual experience of being an author. Are there some here that have been down the road, who might be willing to share their experience with me, and help direct me on the path, or at least warn me if they can see I'm not suited for it?

I'm willing to look, and to find out. Along the way, I hope that I'll be able to contribute to this group of individuals in any way that I can, with my experience and perspective. I look forward to you, and to what you might be able to show me about myself, my writing and a path that I feel in my heart I would like to take.

Nickie · 05-02-2007, 12:25 AM

Hi there, and welcome to the forum!

Nickie

TexasMel · 05-02-2007, 01:36 AM

Welcome!

mammamaia · 05-02-2007, 05:09 PM

welcome to the club, tf!...

i have to note that being an 'author' is not quite the same as being a 'writer'... the hard work of doing the writing comes first, the acclaim as an 'author' much later, in relatively few cases... never, for the vast majority...

i know i may seem to be quibbling about semantics [and i know both words mean essentially the same thing]... imo, the answer lies in whether you have the talent, skill and determination to be a better-than-most 'writer'... if you want to know if you have even a chance of reaching your goal, i'll be glad to give your best work a look and provide some critical feedback... you can email me any time...

meanwhile, i hope you'll enjoy your time on the forums...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

tfurrows · 05-02-2007, 05:37 PM

Thanks for your input Maia. I'm currently working on two projects actively, but am not quite ready to post them. When I am ready, I'll email you or contact you on here- I appreciate your offer for help.

As far as being an author versus a writer, I know some have mentioned luck and here you seem to focus on skill. Do you think it is one, the other or a combination of both? Also, do solid business and marketing skills increase a writers chance of becoming an author?

mammamaia · 05-03-2007, 04:37 PM

any time, tf!

Quote:

As far as being an author versus a writer, I know some have mentioned luck and here you seem to focus on skill. Do you think it is one, the other or a combination of both?

to become a good writer takes talent and skill... to become a successful author [many of whom are not 'good writers'], takes luck and perseverance...

Quote:

Also, do solid business and marketing skills increase a writers chance of becoming an author?

only if you self-publish, thus having to do all your own promo/marketing/distribution...

Trevor Miller · 05-03-2007, 04:50 PM

I am "kind of" in the same boat as you tfurrows. At least the questioning of whether I should/could be a writer or not. The big difference is I am 15 years old, and still have a while, but would like to get a head start.

Hey maia, what would you suggest I do as a writer at 15 years old to prepare, and figure out some of these questions.

Also, do you think you could take a look at my work on this site (I just barely started, therefore only have a couple of writings)
its at http://www.writingforums.com/showthread.php?t=77716
If you could take a look at that, and reply to my questions I would greatly appreciate it. My user idea (for a personal message and the like) is Trevor Miller

Thank you for your time, and good luck tfurrows,
Trevor

Aurasheild · 05-03-2007, 05:16 PM

Hey welcome to the group.

mammamaia · 05-03-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Hey maia, what would you suggest I do as a writer at 15 years old to prepare, and figure out some of these questions.

...just concentrate on learning the basics, so you can be a decent writer... and on getting a good education, so you can pay the rent, while you try to make a living as a writer, later on... meanwhile, READ!... read constantly, the works of the best writers of all time, plus the best contemporary ones ['best' does not necessarily = 'best-selling']... and write, for practice and to hone your skills...

Quote:

Also, do you think you could take a look at my work on this site (I just barely started, therefore only have a couple of writings)
its at http://www.writingforums.com/showthread.php?t=77716
If you could take a look at that, and reply to my questions I would greatly appreciate it. My user idea (for a personal message and the like) is Trevor Miller

i don't go elsewhere to read/critique, but will be glad to give your work a look... email me first, to get info on what i do [and don't!] and how to send the material...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com