Lena Said:

Do most authors begin their careers writing short stories?

We Answered:

The tutor probably wants to see how well you can 'round' a story, whether its balanced, what techniques you employ, etc. If you were to submit a short extract from a novel, it wouldn't paint a true picture of your worth.

In terms of recognition, a long time ago I had problems getting publishers to look at my original novel because of lack of credentials. I started to write short stories for magazines instead.

In 1994, my first short story was accepted, and I've been published ever since. I submitted a novel to a publishing house and it was accepted within two weeks - I had many years of experience you see - credentials. My original novel is still sitting in the wings ready to be regurgitated.

Anthony James Barnett - author

John Said:

I have a talent in writing. What careers could I pursue that could get me a decent living?

We Answered:

I suggest that you take an aptitude test. An aptitude test assesses your skills and your interests and matches you to the careers that are right for you.
Check with the high school adviser for one or your college/university (they have some awesome tests). Or, failing those, go to the workforce development agency (unemployment office) Beware of the internet scams.
Once you take the test it will help identify careers that take little education clear up to a doctorate. Hope this helps.

Danny Said:

What are some good writing careers and what college degree would you get for them?

We Answered:

Some thoughts:

major in journalism, write for a newspaper or magazine

major in technical writing, write technical manuals or any other kinds of materials for corporations and other kinds of institutions

major in drama, write plays

major in creative writing, write novels or short stories, or poems

major in marketing, write advertising copy

major in any of the humanities, gain writing and research skills, apply them in ANY field afterwards!

Honestly, my best suggestion is to wait until you get to college to decide upon your major. Your major should be in a field that you LOVE, and how do you know what you love if you haven't studied it yet? You might just adore cultural anthropology, or German literature, or 19th century African history, or comparative religion, or something else you cannot know about yet!

Just pick a college that has a good liberal arts and sciences program, and sample many fields of study during your first and second years. THEN you'll have an idea about fields in which to major. And I guarantee that if you attend a good college, you'll be writing all the time, for all of your classes.

Best wishes!

Yolanda Said:

What are good careers for people with journalism degrees?

We Answered:

You could apply for law school. There'd be plenty of research and writing in that career.

Courtney Said:

What cities would i have to live in to get great careers in writing?

We Answered:

You can write just about anywhere assuming you have the talent, skill, education, and portfolio to go with it. The jobs you are describing may seem "fun" but there are long hours involved with research, deadlines, editors, and even obnoxious people.

An education in journalism is usually required for what you're considering and I can tell you it's not easy.

I've been writing professionally for six years and it's constantly changing. You have to know your material and learn to be versatile. It's a lot of hard work even if it is still fun for me. I hope you're considering this because writing is a passion for you, not just so you can play.