How do I become a writer?

1. Start writing now. Write everything your brain wants to try—stories, poetry, short scenes, video game storylines, whatever. EXPERIMENT!

2. READ EVERYTHING. READ EVERY DAY. READ ACROSS GENRES.

3. Learn craft. Lots of great writing teachers and advice for free online, and I’ve provided SO MANY resources throughout this site. Dive in! 

4. Become a keen observer of the world around you.

5. Have adventures so that you have things to write about!

6. Learn to handle rejection.

7. PERSEVERE.

8. Be protective of your work. Not everyone will love it, but you don’t have to share it with people who will be mean, either. And be mindful of idea thieves. They’re out there, sometimes people you wouldn’t expect.

9. Cut out time as often as you can to practice your writing. And PROTECT YOUR WRITING TIME. If friends don’t get it, then maybe you need new friends.

10. Give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft. That’s what rewrites are for!