If you enjoy writing for yourself and you think that you may have a talent for it then you should explore the possibility of turning it into a real career. In fact during this lockdown we have seen many interviews with great writers across the world of media and film such as Roger Wolfson, Ben Shapiro, Dean Koontz and Sara Silverman who have been discussing their writing processes and sharing tips on how to become a pro writer. These guys, and Roger in particular have been so helpful in bringing through younger talented writers, and here are some tips which they have been sharing around what you should be doing to turn pro.
Hone In
At this stage of your career the importance will be to hone in on what you know and what you are good at. If you believe that you have a gift for comedic writing then go after that with all of your time and your energy. You may well end up a multi-talented writer like Roger once you have grown into your position, but at this early stage it is going to be crucial to have an identity.
Hours and Hours
Every single one of the writers who I have seen share tips have spoken about the huge number of hours which they dedicate to their craft now, and which they dedicated to their craft when they were younger. The reason hard work sounds like a cliche is because it is something which every single writer will have to do, no matter what natural talent they do or don’t have. If you are not investing the hours now, turning pro in any type of writing gig is going to be hard, because there is someone out there who is working harder.
Feedback
You have to try your best to seek out as much feedback as possible and do so from a range of sources. Getting this feedback is the first aspect and the second is taking on board any criticism or compliments which you receive, and using those comments to help you to become a better writer. All of the writers who have offered tips have said that they are still not the writer that they wish to be, and that perpetual search for the perfect level is why they all work so hard and why they all keep pushing to be as creative as they can be.
Influence
Whilst you have to have your own style, you should be taking influence from all over the writing world, you should be reading a broad range of books, taking note of how great writers go about their work, and allowing yourself to be influenced by what they do and what they have done.
The key to all of this is hard work and continuously striving to be the very best writer that you can be. Do this and you may very well be able to turn that little bit of talent into something special.
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