How to become a writer

[Todd]

Well, I'll give it a go.

Any of these questions you would like to discuss, I am very curious
I am a novice to the writing world, so this is my way of asking for help.
Hopefully answering some of these questions in this open space will help other aspiring writers on the site.
Thank you in advance if you take the time to respond.

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

For me, reading the types of work you want to write is one of the most important factors. Read for enjoyment and the feel of the language, and then read critically to determine how the writer executed the way they did. It's much easier to pick up technique from simply reading than from a classroom. After that, persistence is large factor. In some way, write everyday. I know it sounds basic but to master anything requires a great deal of practice, and you can't cram for it. I find that my poetry helps my fiction and my fiction helps my non-fiction. As far as degrees go, I think they're optional. They are good way to network with other writers, editors, and publishers. Not only those who hold the jobs now, but those who will one day hold those jobs. I always flirt with the idea of going back and getting one of those degrees, but it would mostly be for the fun of it all and the networking. I think whatever degrees you get or jobs you hold give you experience for writing. Everything shapes your perspective. One degree isn't more valuable than another. They aren't necessarily needed either. It's more about being aware of the life you live and just continuing to bring that authenticity into your practice of writing. Books: I've read some technique oriented books that have been helpful, and we could get into that more, but I'm more inclined to recommend reading great examples of the type of writing you want to do.

What kind of experience do you feel is needed to write?

Any experience as long as you actively pay attention to it can be fuel for writing.

What kind of writing jobs have you had?

None that are specifically writing jobs. Though I've been able to use my writing in all of them. It goes into my proposals, corporate newsletters, presentations. I've become one of the default editors in any company I've been in. I've restructured websites...all those kinds of things. My jobs have largely called something else, but writing is a versatile skill. In my day job, writing is mostly persuasive and non-fiction.

I've done some work on literary journals behind the scenes but it wasn't paid work.

How did you get your first job?

Not really applicable since it wasn't a "writing" job, but I suspect it has a some connection. I networked. I've gotten nearly every job by staying in contact with people, being active in different groups, and staying known. It's the same in most walks of life. People create a position and think we'd like someone like...[you] then they simply ask you.

How did you start out writing?

I was crappy roommate house, full of drug addicts, unplanned pregnancies, drama, drama, drama. One roommate was a writer (poet, plays, fiction). He asked me to give an opinion on one of his poems. It was so different that what I considered poetry from school. I decided to try writing one (it was awful but fun). I started reading more poetry, and writing poem after poem as a way to deal with the conflict of the house. I started submitting my work. It started being published. It started getting better. I read more. I transitioned to fiction. Since that time, its just something I've always done.

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

Two poems: Sex Without Love by Sharon Olds and dreamlessly by Charles Bukowski. They just helped me see poetry in a different light.

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

The first few things I sent got published. It felt great but it didn't prepare me for the level of rejection that would come. It did feel like a validation, and it was cool knowing that somewhere even if in a small way you were being read by someone.

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

Commit to start writing and do it every day--that's really it