How to become a writer

[Leanne]

What do you think is important in the process of becoming a writer?
An education? What kind of degree? A degree at all?

I studied writing at university and the most important thing I learned there is that writing is a craft that anyone can learn -- some with more aptitude than others, but it's not the mysterious muse-driven wonderment that plenty of writers will have you believe. Most of what I've learned about writing has come after uni, though. What I did learn while studying, which is invaluable, is that there is no substitute for keeping yourself well informed, reading as widely as possible and keeping an open mind.

What kind of experience do you feel is needed to write?
Every experience feeds your writing. The more you do and the more you pay attention to the world, the more you'll be able to draw on in your writing.


What kind of writing jobs have you had?
How did you get your first job?

I've written feature articles, scientific research papers, political speeches, policy and procedure manuals, business proposals... a fair bit I suppose! I've also worked as an editor for all kinds of writing -- mainly poetry, but plenty of different prose genres as well.

How did you start out writing?

It just seemed like a good idea at the time

Can you remember the poem, story and/or film that helped you fall in love with writing?


Nothing specific, but my dad and I used to put a book of Banjo Paterson poems in front of the sink when we did the dishes and take turns in reciting a stanza each -- the meter sunk in and I never got rid of it!

If you have been published, what does it feel like to be published for the first time?

Temporarily terrific... and then you realise how little the world in general really seems to care. It does make you incredibly grateful to those people who take the time to let you know they've read and appreciated what you've written though.

How do you feel an aspiring writer should go about becoming a writer?

At the risk of quoting some slave labour-mongers... "just do it"! But be prepared to do a lot of work. It doesn't just happen and it can break your heart. Write, edit, revise, edit, revise, rewrite, drink, write some more. And always, always keep in mind that no matter how much you think you're writing for yourself, you must be aware of your audience and treat them with respect.