I want to become an Author.

[Redprize]

Just like the title of this thread says, I want to become an Author. For my current state it is a high goal, but I made up my mind and want to achieve it.

What I need, is a sort of mentor. Someone who looks over my work, gives opinions, and shows me some ways of improving myself.

I know, I could simply find a guide on the net, but I find having a live person discussing with me, much more beneficial.

I’d be grateful for any help I get, thank you in advance.

Please leave me a note in this thread if you are interested in helping me, or send me a private message.

 

[SweetWitch]

Just like the title of this thread says, I want to become an Author. For my current state it is a high goal, but I made up my mind and want to achieve it.

What I need, is a sort of mentor. Someone who looks over my work, gives opinions, and shows me some ways of improving myself.

I know, I could simply find a guide on the net, but I find having a live person discussing with me, much more beneficial.

I’d be grateful for any help I get, thank you in advance.

Please leave me a note in this thread if you are interested in helping me, or send me a private message.

Welcome to Lit.

You're quite right, you know, about finding a mentor. Most of us have had at least one at some point. Find a good one.

I wish I had time to help, but unfortunately I don't. All I can do is offer a bit of advice:

1) A good volunteer editor is worth his/her weight in gold. Treat them like gods.

2) Read. A lot.

3) Read your own stuff. A lot.

4) Sift through your feedback to find the gems that will help. They're out there.

5) Never mind the trolls. If they go after you, you know you've done something right.

Take it for what it's worth and good luck.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Welcome to Lit.

You're quite right, you know, about finding a mentor. Most of us have had at least one at some point. Find a good one.

I wish I had time to help, but unfortunately I don't. All I can do is offer a bit of advice:

1) A good volunteer editor is worth his/her weight in gold. Treat them like gods.

2) Read. A lot.

3) Read your own stuff. A lot.

4) Sift through your feedback to find the gems that will help. They're out there.

5) Never mind the trolls. If they go after you, you know you've done something right.

Take it for what it's worth and good luck.

Molly's right. If you're serious about becoming a writer, this is a good place to meet people. From one who treats this like a lark, best of luck, Red. Best of luck.

 

[glynndah]

I'd be happy to look over a sample and give my opinion. I can't promise much more than that at this time, though.

A welcome for the little newbie from the good little witch.

 

[CWatson]

For me, the thing that helped me most in becoming a writer was writing something, posting it here... And having people send e-mails telling me that I had become a writer already.

I highly recommend the same.

Get something published, get it out, let people praise it for you, let people praise you for it. Then start beating yourself up over technique. It's okay to get constructive criticism when you already have confidence in yourself; if you don't, that criticism can destroy you, no matter how well-phrased or well-meant.

Go for it. Ain't nothing stopping you.

 

[TE999]

Welcome to Lit and the AH Redprize.

In addition to the excellent advice given by my colleagues, I might suggest posting your query in the Editors Forum as well.

It would appear you are seeking a mentor as much as an editor. Finding a combination like that may be more difficult, but there are folks here who can and will do both. They may very well read your post(s) and contact you.

Good luck and happy writing.

 

[michchick98]

Just like the title of this thread says, I want to become an Author. For my current state it is a high goal, but I made up my mind and want to achieve it.

What I need, is a sort of mentor. Someone who looks over my work, gives opinions, and shows me some ways of improving myself.

I know, I could simply find a guide on the net, but I find having a live person discussing with me, much more beneficial.

I’d be grateful for any help I get, thank you in advance.

Please leave me a note in this thread if you are interested in helping me, or send me a private message.

All good advice given here so far. The first stories I posted here were received favorably, then I found a good editor and they got even better.

The success of any good writer depends on the people he/she has 'behind' them. Finding a good editor who will help you develop your writing is, of course, crucial. Many authors here have had the same person editing them for years and they work well together.

There are even a few authors who utilize more than one editor, or some (such as myself) who have an editor and a 'beta' reader.

As TE said, post a message in the Editor's Forum, there are many there who would more than likely help you in your first endeavor.

Another good way to get started is to check out the Writer's Resources here at Lit. It's chock-full of information for new AND established writers to hone their skills.

Good luck and welcome to Lit and the AH!

 

[impressive]

Welcome to the AH. Now, WRITE! That's the only way to become an Author (or, if you're improper like me, an author).

 

[Varian P]

Just like the title of this thread says, I want to become an Author. For my current state it is a high goal, but I made up my mind and want to achieve it.

What I need, is a sort of mentor. Someone who looks over my work, gives opinions, and shows me some ways of improving myself.

I know, I could simply find a guide on the net, but I find having a live person discussing with me, much more beneficial.

I’d be grateful for any help I get, thank you in advance.

Please leave me a note in this thread if you are interested in helping me, or send me a private message.

Welcome to Lit, Redprize. For me, it's been a wonderful place to practice writing, and to get lots of valuable feedback along the way.

I'd caution you against snuggling up to any one mentor, just because hearing a range of reactions to your writing is bound to give you insights no single individual could provide.

Two places to get input on your writing are the Story Feedback forum, and the Story Discussion Circle. In both places you'll find people willing to read your work and offer their advice. In the SDC, in particular, there are several regulars who are wonderful writers, and who'll offer in-depth, detailed critiques. The people there have helped me to vastly improve my writing over the last few years.

Best of luck to you.

-Varian

 

[Emerald_Dragon]

My last several editors are actually readers that left me good comments that I started a dialog with.

Good luck to you.

 

[Boxlicker101]

To reiterate what others have said, Hi, Redprize and welcome to Lit. and to the AH.

I'm not really an editor, but I do proofread fairly well, if you want me to look at something. I should warn you, though, that I write almost entirely smut.