Q: What do I need to do to become a writer?

A: Gee, that sounds familiar. I think I've heard it before regarding religion. So I guess it really is an age-old question no matter what it is you want to do. As far as writing is concerned there are two cardinal rules.

1. Read….I know it sounds obvious, but you must read what's popular in the genre you're looking to write in order to get a feel for that genre. You would not believe the number of people that have no idea what a children's picture book really looks like and sounds like, but they think they could write one because, after all, it's only a handful of pages and pictures. I promise I'll address that comment in another question as soon as I can figure out how to do it without setting my laptop on fire, but for now, remember that what was popular when you were a child may have fallen by the wayside. Books like A WRINKLE IN TIME and WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE definitely count as classics, but not everything that we read as kids is still read today. The same goes for adult texts, but perhaps not to the same extent. Styles change and as a writer, you have to be aware of those changes. Go into the bookstore and sit down in the kid's section or the fiction section, or whatever it is you're interested in. Read. Take note of the topics, the flow of language, the length of the paragraphs, the sound of the dialogue. Just read to enjoy the experience. It really will make a difference in your writing.

2. Write…as often as possible. Well, duh! You can't get good at anything without practice. You might consider trying to rewrite classic fairy tales from a different perspective if you can't think of anything else to write. It's a good way to practice different styles with a familiar concept. But it's great to write from your own bank of ideas. There aren't as many rules to follow. And writing is a very personal experience that you may or may not eventually share with others. It's important and very therapeutic to express what's on your mind. Recently, I discovered a file of poems that I wrote in high school and college. I wrote them when I was especially inspired by a rainbow or a particularly nice-looking guy, or most often, when I was upset. Okay, given, they were mostly terrible poems, dripping with teenage angst, but some of them weren't too bad at all. The important thing is that they gave me an outlet for expression and practice for my future career. The more you write, the better you'll be at it. So don't give up. Keep writing!


If you're still not satisfied, drop a line to writers@melindalongbooks.com. Due to the volume of inquiries I receive, I cannot respond to each question, but do get to as many as is possible in a timely manner. And, of course, thanks for your interest!