@ Everyone who wants to be a writer
I give you two pieces of advice...


1. Read Stephen King's 'On Writing' for the truth about the job by a very, very well known and successful writer. If that doesn't put you off and you're interested....

2. Do it.

I don't mean give up the day job and join me in writerly penury, but rather spend time actually writing and submitting to journals, magazines, anywhere in fact that they will take your words.

Magazines and journals want, no, NEED articles, poetry and stories to publish...but not just any old crap, but good stuff, polished stuff which has been crafted, redrafted and considered.

It is not impossible to get your words into print and get paid for it.

It simply takes a bit of work.

In that respect it's no different from the hoards of people who want to be in successful bands...you need to practise, practise, practise.

Natural talent is part of the picture, but like the old saying - it's 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

And finally, you only have one life. No one is on their deathbed saying how they wish they'd spent more time stacking shelves at Sainsburys (or similar - insert whatever boring job you fancy).
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Fri 15 Aug 2008, 18:15, Reply)