People often wonder what kind of writing class they need to take in order to become a published author. While the answer to this question can vary from person to person, there are some basic rules that apply to nearly all authors:
- Take a class on creative writing
- Follow the course diligently
- Don’t be discouraged by initial failures
- Submit your work for critique
The first and most important step to becoming a published author is recognizing that you possess the talent necessary to write interesting and compelling books. Creative writing is a broad area, covering everything from fiction to non-fiction, and from poetry to screenwriting. But no matter what kind of writing you’re planning on doing, a good class will only get you so far before you need to take matters into your own hands. If you’re looking for inspiration, the next best thing to actually attending a class is reading the work of accomplished authors.
Facts About Creative Writing
Although it can be difficult to pin down exact figures, the majority of people who write professionally fall into one of the following categories:
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Science-fiction
- Thriller/horror
- Young adult
As you might guess, most people who write fiction write short stories, novels, or poems, while those who write non-fiction tend to put their work through the traditional journalistic mediums of news articles and feature stories. Science-fiction writers may opt for the medium of science-related books, while those who write about horror typically pen short stories or novellas aimed at adults. Finally, young adult fiction is typically associated with novels, short stories, and comic books, while middle grade to young adult non-fiction covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to science, history, geography, and art. For more information, check out the following resources:
Best Books on Writing
If you’re looking for tips and inspiration on how to improve your writing, then the following is a short list of some of the best-selling and most-respected books on the subject. Whether you’re a published author or just starting out, you’ll find something here to help you:
Plot & Structure
- The Art Of Dramatic Writing
- How To Write A Novel
- The Elements Of Style
- The Anatomy Of A Story
- The Hollywood Scriptwriter
If you have a limited amount of time to dedicate to your writing, then you might not have the luxury of spending hours upon hours crafting the perfect plot and character development. That’s why you need to learn how to plot and structure your story efficiently.
Writing Tips
- Find your passion
- Put your emotions into your work
- Develop your unique voice
- Don’t be afraid to take risks
- Have fun with it
As you might expect, the creators of these books have valuable advice on how to become a successful author. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, be sure to check out these books and listen to the wise words of the pros.