Anyone here a writer?

[Patt]

Does anyone here write professionally? Whether it be game reviews, for a local newspaper, or fluff pieces for websites ... let me know how you got into the game and where you've found work.

 

[pontifex]

i'd think you would have to be pretty good to get into something like that.

i've always entertained the idea of writing a book or a bunch of short stories but i can never seem to sit down and do it.

 

[nakedfrog]

I've looked into this, and my suggestion would be to start with magazines that publish submitted entries, maybe start a website to feature your writings, and see who else would publish you. Contact them to see what they're looking for.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
I've looked into this, and my suggestion would be to start with magazines that publish submitted entries, maybe start a website to feature your writings, and see who else would publish you. Contact them to see what they're looking for.

too bad there isn't anything like the pulps back in the 20s and 30s. thats how a lot of people got started in writing.

there's a few magazines and stuff like that now, but nothing like it was back then.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: pontifex
i'd think you would have to be pretty good to get into something like that.

i've always entertained the idea of writing a book or a bunch of short stories but i can never seem to sit down and do it.

I know I'm a pretty decent writer, and I do have a small collection of works. Usually any talent I have is wasted on comical emails within a group of friends.

I'm not necessarily looking to do a novel, or short stories or the like. I am moderately interested in technical writing as well, especially seeing as how I do a fair amount already at work.

I have had a couple of articles published in small magazines, as well as two photographs. I just need to spend more time at it 🙂

 

[bignateyk]

unless you're going into technical writing, you're gonna have a tough time making it, unless you're an amazing writer. Even then, good luck.

 

[nakedfrog]

Sounds like you might be close to the requirements for getting a federal grant to write something. I forget exactly how much you had to have published.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: bignateyk
unless you're going into technical writing, you're gonna have a tough time making it, unless you're an amazing writer. Even then, good luck.

I'm not going in thinking I'm going to be the next Stephen King ... I just want to at least have a sideline going that I enjoy, and could eventually prove to be a bit lucrative.

As mentioned, I don't mind technical writing, and based on so many poorly written manuals\presentations etc., there is a market for my skills. I just have to find it.

 

[Vegitto]

Meh.. The key to having the masses like your writing is making them feel smart. Use 'difficult' words that everyone knows.

 

[badmouse]

You get an idea for a story, you send a spec to a magazine editor, you include copies of your 2 published articles and mention that you also did photos. You do this a zillion times. Somebody calls back and says good idea, go with it. You often get paid on publication, it takes a while to work up to the stage of getting paid on submission. You keep doing it until you get to know several editors as good and reliable.

Basically, it's knowing what to pitch, to whom, and being good enough and reliable enough to come up with the goods.

Good luck.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: badmouse
You get an idea for a story, you send a spec to a magazine editor, you include copies of your 2 published articles and mention that you also did photos. You do this a zillion times. Somebody calls back and says good idea, go with it. You often get paid on publication, it takes a while to work up to the stage of getting paid on submission. You keep doing it until you get to know several editors as good and reliable.

Basically, it's knowing what to pitch, to whom, and being good enough and reliable enough to come up with the goods.

Good luck.

Have you had this experience yourself? Have you been successful? If so, what field do you cover?