The Writer in Me
February 6, 2023 - Reading time: 3 minutes
I graduated high school in 1986, one year after graduating college with a B.A. in English I became a mother. Now that my mother duties, while not finished, take less of of my time I have considered the prospect of trying to revisit my past aspirations.
Yet, there is a small problem.
When you are an adult, it can be intimidating to attempt to break into the world of writing, particularly if you do not have any prior experience in the field, which is my case. However, this is not an impossible task, and in fact, there are a few distinct benefits that come along with beginning the writing process later in life. After years of working at other jobs, you may be ready to transition into a career as a writer. Here is what you need to know to make the transition successfully.
To begin, you should equip yourself with information and resources. Make sure you have all the information you need before you start, whether that means taking a class on writing or reading up on the industry. Before you start, make sure you have all the information you need. In the long run, this will help reduce the likelihood of experiencing any frustrations or disappointments.
Determine the direction in which you want to take your professional life next. Do you want to try your hand at writing some short stories? Novels? Articles de non-fiction? Poetry? When beginning a career as a writer, it is critical to identify the subject matter that most interests you. After you've figured out where your passions lie, you should concentrate on honing your craft by studying a variety of writing techniques and genres through reading and practice until you find the one that corresponds most closely with your objectives.
You should also think about becoming a member of an industry group, such as The Authors Guild or The National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE). The members of these kinds of groups have access to helpful resources like job postings and contacts in the industry, in addition to receiving support and having opportunities to network with other writers.
Last but not least, take care that the pieces of writing you produce are reflective of who you are as a person and not of what other people believe you should be doing at your age or what they consider to be appropriate for someone of your age group. There is no one way to write that is superior to any other; instead, you should embrace creativity and let your individuality shine through in everything you make. If you do this, you might not only get noticed, but you might also set yourself apart from younger competitors who might not have this authenticity in their work.
Becoming a writer in your later years can be a demanding profession, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one either! It doesn't matter how old you are or how much experience you have under your belt; anyone can become a successful writer with enough commitment, enthusiasm, and self-awareness. Therefore, make the most of the numerous opportunities that this line of work presents, and begin laying the groundwork for your success right away.