Raymond Said:

How can I become a more interesting writer?

We Answered:

I teach in a post-graduate creative writing program, and a technique I use a lot with those writers is to have them look at writing that they themselves love to read. I teach them to pull it apart in terms of how it catches and keeps their interest.

You could do the same. Who are the writers who you think are really interesting? Is it the contents of what they write about, or the way in which they write that holds your attention? If it's the contents and what you're writing about bores you, then find something more interesting to write about! But if you like writers who could be riveting while writing about how grass grows, make note of how they unfold their writing, sentence by sentence. What are the things they do to grab and hold your attention? Study their methods...and steal them!

Doris Said:

How to become a writer/director in Hollywood?

We Answered:

My dad's an independent writer/producer/director. He always wears black. It's a film crew thing. I strongly suggest taking writing classes and workshops. Maybe invest in some screen writing software to help you format your screen plays correctly. Only use two brads in your scripts even though there are three holes. I suggest joining the American Screenwriters Association (goasa.com). They have members world wide, not just Americans. They are a non-profit organization which holds conventions in association with film festivals, workshops, and competitions. They have special memberships for students. It's a good tool for networking too. Pretty much any school with a good film department has good writing and directing classes. If you really want to do this look into volunteering your time on some independent films in your area. You'll get hands on experience and be able to network and build a resume before going to college. Good luck!

Beth Said:

Easiest way to become a writer and get published?

We Answered:

There is no "easy" way to get published. Most overnight sensations have been slogging away at writing for ten years. Or more. You need the skin of a rhino and the perseverance of an ant with a rubber tree to make it in this business.

And there's no One Road To Riches, either. Some people get their start in short stories. Some people sell the sixth doorstop fantasy they write. Some people (a tiny minority) sell the very first novel they write. Some people (an even tinier minority, but folks get struck by lightning and win the lottery too) self-publish and get attention that way. Ask ten writers how they "made it," and you'll get ten different answers.

The best way to write and get published is to write, write, write. And then write some more. The first million words is practice. If you can get paid cashy money for some of those practice words, rejoice and be glad.

Useful books: "On Writing" by Stephen King, and "Characters and Viewpoint" by Orson Scott Card.

College courses? Meh. A lot of "creative writing" instructors look down their noses at genre fiction, and I say phooey on them. And some of them will give you terrible advice that will be an active detriment to getting published as well. Better to take courses in history and biology and psychology and maybe a couple of lit crit courses just so you halfway know what you're doing, but the more eclectic your education, the more you have to mine from when you're writing.

And people will tell you to "write what you know." I think that's actually terrible advice. It assumes that you can't find stuff out by researching. But if you write what you LOVE, that passion will come across on the page and carry your readers along for the ride.

Claire Said:

How do I become a TV writer on a show?

We Answered:

You write to the producer of the show and say that you have some very good script ideas for the show and could you either send in samples or have a meeting to discuss the way forward.
If you send in samples they should only be a very brief part of a whole script for your safety. Be sure to keep the original and send a copy.
Best of luck.

Ricardo Said:

Some time ago I asked the question how can I become a writer?

We Answered:

Stephen King published a book, "On Writing", a memoir of the craft, published by Simon & Schuster, in the year 2000.
This is an account of his life following the accident in Maine, where he was run over by a blue van.
This also recounts all his earlier years, attempts at writings, and his first successes at getting his works published. The book is full of information for beginning writers, from the home technique of how to arrange a writing space, the amount of time to devote, and the first contacts a person should make, once the work is completed.
He lists several names, and gives experiences at to which were successful, and which were learning experiences.
He is very successful, his writing is very easy to understand, and if I did have any manuscripts laying about, I would have delivered these to his listed destinations as soon as I could.
I obtained his book from the Pawtucket, RI library, it was on sale. It is now my book. I do read Stephen King, and have watched the videos and the DVD's. I think "It" is currently one of the more interesting and apt way of describing life in this area. I liked the book "The Girl Whom Loved Tom Gordon", as she was eventually found alive, and there were no murders, which is rare for his works. He also has many interesting novellas, which you can find about once you get his book.
You can buy books on the Internet, looking at used books, in good condition, for less than $5, the shipping and handling is usually more than the cost of the book. The book may cost $2.00 and the shipping and handling is $3.95, and you receive the book within one week.

Javier Said:

How do I become a greeting card writer?

We Answered:

The vast majority of greeting card writers work part-time as independent contractors, freelancing their work to greeting card publishers on a piece work basis. The pay for an individual card can range from anywhere between $50 to $250.
To get started as a greeting card writer you should have a portfolio of ideas ready for submission. We're not talking about a finished product here. We're talking about your ideas and the creativity behind those ideas. Publishers will have their own preferred method of receiving submissions, and at the time you can prepare your work to meet their individual submission standards.
There are several ways to get your ideas in front of publishing company editors. One of the easiest methods is to utilize the Internet and search for the websites of greeting card publishing houses. Contact the company and request guidelines for submitting ideas. Some companies will even post submission guidelines online, along with the type of material they are interested in. This is a great time saver.