Any writers in here?

[Adrianna]

If so, has anyone ever been published?

One of my loves has always been writing, although with a bit of ADD it's a bit hard concentrating, getting my thoughts down on paper, and rising to the occasion, so to speak

One of my 'dreams' has always been to be a writer, to write something 'profound' that would be read for years to come. So far, I have not figured out what that is, or how the heck I do it

Anyway, just wondered if there were any professional writers here, or anyone just doing it as a hobby or side-gig......

 

[Rajah]

*looks at her directory of stories and grins*

I write.

About 20 - 40 pages into a story. Then I move on to something else. I've never finished anything enough to *try* to get published, let alone make it. LOL! So I do it as a hobby. Mostly fantasy, couple of sci-fi, and one mystery with a slight fantasy element.

Unless of course you count trip reports -- those I usually finish if I start (usually...not always)

 

[capnblackbeard]

i like to write alot once i start i cant stop and i also have this friend who has been published she writes poetry shes been published in two books.

 

[JulieWent]

DH is about to send his electrical engineering textbook off to the publisher. (It's due to start production at the end of September.) Will I be able to read it? Nah. But I guess someone will.

I've published some professional articles in English Journal (magazine for English teachers). (Doesn't everyone just want to jump up and run out to get that one???) My forte is non-fiction, though. I sometimes think about trying my hand at fiction, but I'm not sure that I have enough patience. (Some of my ninth graders have written fiction good enough to be published. Makes me feel like an underachiever.)

 

[Kitty 34]

When I was a lot younger I wrote many many stories to amuse my little brothers and sisters and their friends but I never had any published. They sit in an old trunk in my closet.......maybe my boys will dig them out some day.

Also, at different points in my life, I kept a journal.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

I have had a couple of poems published, but they are by those companies who just publish them so that you'll buy the book (which I don't). Wonder if anyone DOES buy it and actually reads anything other than what they wrote?

Doesn't really count as published, but I have had a few pieces of fiction (sci-fi and fan fiction) "published" at an on-line community.

 

[Itsanalias]

Originally posted by Rajah
I write.

About 20 - 40 pages into a story. Then I move on to something else. I've never finished anything enough to *try* to get published, let alone make it.

*raises hand sheepishly*

Guilty of this also. I have an "unfinished" book and screenplay. Dang ADHD.

 

[snoopy]

I've kept a journal for years. One day I might just get the energy to put it all together and try to make heads or tails out of it all, perhaps make it fictional.

I had the opportunity a few years ago to help a friend, who is a writer of children's books, do some illustrations. She never got published, unfortunately, her books were good. A hard field to break into, sadly, unless you have an idea that happens to be hot at the moment.

 

[Adrianna]

I'd love to spend more time writing, I just need to be more disciplined about it. I just can't think of anything to write about!! The rule is "write what you know," right? I don't seem to know anything

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I've had some fanfiction "published" on a online site

 

[PugLover]

Hi All,

I have never posted in this area before and am fairly new to this site (mostly post on the resort boards). As a writer this topic caught my eye.

Recently I just completed my third script and had a pitch meeting with a production company. They passed on the idea but I was thrilled to even have the meeting and get such positive and helpful feedback. Due to this meeting I have gained the opportunity to pitch my script again at the end of Septmeber to another production company. This particular script took me close to three years to research and write.

For income purposes I am a self employed business writer. I research, write and produce business plans/marketing plans for small to mid-size publishing companies and a few other "creative" type entities (small fashion designers and the like). This work is quite boring but pays well, allows me to work when I want and keeps my research skills strong. When called upon I do a bit of PR work, again merely for income.

If you are struggling to find topics to write about then chances are you have the completely wrong approach to writing. The only goal you should have as a writer is to WRITE for you and the joy it brings (unless of course you have a paid assingment).

The best stories come from life.. plain and simple.

Start keeping a journal. You will be amazed at how "second nature" it becomes and it will give you a good first step in allowing your thoughts and words to flow.

Observing people is a tremendous way to build your story telling capabilities. Grab a notebook and pen and sit at a restaurant for a few hours. Watch people, their body language and their speech patterns especially.

I have been writing since the age of 12 ( I am now 28). It always has been a huge part of my life and my existence would be dreadfully vain if I did not have this outlet. It simply takes over and becomes a burning desire that cannot be stopped. I would have it no other way.

Currently, with a pitch under my belt and one in the near future I hope to obtain representation (an agent) in the next year.

Deeply profound writing comes for a great love of the craft. It comes from a desire and passion nestled deep in your soul.

What steps are you taking to sharpen your observation skills? What steps are you taking to deepen your ability to capture human emotion through the written word? Start small, dream big and never stop writing.

 

[Pam]

I am an editor and columnist for a newspaper. I also go out and do feature stories on occasion.

 

[springsteenmickey]

I'd love to spend more time writing, I just need to be more disciplined about it. I just can't think of anything to write about!! The rule is "write what you know," right? I don't seem to know anything

You would be surprised just how much you do know Adri. My advice to you, close your eyes, picture your story or what message you want to get across. Do this in fast motion, let the wheels in your minds eye spin. Before you know it you will have a beginning and an end with some form of a body in-between. Now turn on your tape recorder and start blurting you thoughts out , no matter how stupid you might think that they are. You can probably talk a lot faster than you can jot down your points, thus the tape recorder. It may not all come together after this process but you’d be surprised just how much you can achieve. As for not being able to concentrate – what is wrong with writing a page every day or two. Go for it girl.

By the way, clean out your in-box please

 

[Wagamama]

i'm studying to be a screenwriter...i got my undergrad in journalism but i haven't had anything published or sold yet...soon though!! you'll see!!!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I'm thinking of taking a screenwriting class this year

 

[luvndisney358]

I write but never have had anything published. Some day I hope to though....................

 

[Trinity721]

I love writing, ever since I was a pre-teen. But like some others here, I've never been able to finish a story. Or i get sick of what I"m writing and never want to look at it again. Plus now with having a daughter, a husband who's 1000 miles away, going to school and working I haven't had much time to concentrate on anything else. But I'm currently getting back into it, and might be taking a course in writing fiction in the fall.

Maybe someday I'll get published.....

 

[Tiggeroo]

I write. I have had newpaper articles and a few magazine articles published. I have let it slide while I got busy with the kids, and have recently become very serious about it.
I am working on a mystery book, as well as several magazine articles. Good luck all.