I was contacted by a 12 year old boy asking me how to become a writer. Well, his exact words were “how do I become a famous author?”
But I’m guessing he more meant just a writer, because even though I do have two published books to my credit, I’m hardly a “famous” author 🙂 (really, how many Dan Furman books have you seen in your bookstore lately? If the answer is even “one”, it would surprise me.)
But anyway, as someone who strives to make the world a better place (stop laughing), I did my best to help this kid out. Here is my serious response:
Hi Abdul,
Thanks for your note.
Well, I can’t promise any advice that will make you a famous author, but I *can* tell you how to be a better writer.
1) Write a lot. Every day if you can. It doesn’t matter all that much “what” you write in terms of genre. For example, I don’t write stories/fiction, and am still a writer. I honed a lot of my skill online years ago, participating in message forums. I would say find an age-appropriate message forum or two that discuss hobbies you have (sports, videogames, etc), and participate in the debate/discussions. This way, you can practice writing with some meat and conviction (facebook, Instagram (et al) don’t count – that’s nothing but basic fluff for a basic audience.)
2) While grammar is important, don’t get too caught up worrying if your writing is 100% correct. Look, you need to write the proper version of “there” (“their” or “they’re”) – stuff like that is a given for anyone who wants their words taken seriously. But personally, I use a lot of dashes, more commas than I need to, parenthesis, and fragments, all of which didn’t exactly endear me to English teachers (I was a C student in English). Your “style” and being clearly understood are more important than whether you have a fragment or not.
3) See #1 again. Writers write – it’s as simple as that. The world is full of non-writers that “dream” about writing. Don’t become one of them.
Best of luck to you.
—
Dan Furman
Hi Dan,
I am looking at AWAI’s course, I want to have a home based business but I’m still sure about AWAI, I don’t want to get caught up in a scam, I am unemployed right now so I would have the time and could use the skills to do better writing. My extent of writing is essays from school and college and technical writing was a part of my job. Do you think this would be a good fit?
Thanks,
Eileen
Hi Eileen,
Hard to say – start with my review of the AWAI course if you haven’t already. I would say if you have been successful at the tech writing, that’s probably a great base.
Best,
Dan
Dan,
I landed on your site at 12.30pm today (I know this because it’s the time I eat lunch every day). It’s now 2.38pm.
I’ve been battling to make the move from part time marketer/affiliate junkie to full time business owner for almost six years – arriving online one cold January evening looking for a way to pay for Christmas again.
Anyhow… I’m in the initial stages of launching my own copywriting service business.
I was feeling pretty good about my skill-set until I read through your stuff – Ha!
Just reading through your website has given me a few valuable lessons in web writing, sales copywriting, and the art of storytelling.
I have to head away now… and wanted to leave a note to thank you for your generosity.
And in the words of a once famous body builder… I’d like to add – I’ll be back (to learn as much as I can and see if any of your wisdom will rub off on me).
Neil
Hey thanks, Neil. Sent you an e-mail too.
Thanks for the reply Dan. I replied back to your email also – appreciate your input on things!
If I may put my comment in a qutsoien, do you think a person can learn to be a writer. Isn’t writing like playing a guitar, you can or can not.Jakes recently posted..
Hey Groundhogday,Glad to see you visit. I hear Pullman real estate will be supported by all of those double income families that work on campus. (They all make 6 figures each, you know.) – Rate this comment: 0 0