When I was at a book signing at the fantastic Downtown Book & Toy Store in Jefferson City, MO, a young woman introduced herself. She said that she was interested in writing for children and wondered if I’d be willing to share any advice.
We talked about the importance of humor and about keeping a writer’s notebook and about reading and writing. She was taking an important first step by simply introducing herself to me and asking me questions.
If you’re interested in becoming a writer, take every opportunity you have to meet other writers and to ask questions about process. Go to book signings, workshops, and lectures. Don’t be afraid to begin the dialogue. –Mary Amato
Thank you so much for the shoutout, Mary!
And your challenging and encouraging words at the end of the post certainly ring true. Taking those few first steps, having those conversations, learning more, etc., can certainly fuel a passion for writing. It sure did in my case!
Dear Mary Amato,
I would love to be a writer it’s just that i’m so busy
I do swimming for a sport my brother is either doing football in football season or basketball in basketball season!! I don’t have any time to write and at school sometimes the teachers don’t give the best writing pronpts.
Do you have any suggestions cause even on weekends i’m busy either basketball game,football game,or swim meet. I never have time to do anything that’s actualy what I wan’t to do everyday I only get like an hour of freee time now what if I wanna become a writer and olympic swimmer???-Abie
Wow, Abie,
You sound busy. It is hard to balance passions, such as writing and swimming. I know what you mean about writing prompts…sometimes the writing you are required to do for Language Arts doesn’t inspire you to write. All I can say is, keep your eyes and mind open. When something really moves you, when you are feeling either extremely joyful or horribly sad, try to write those experiences. Use your pencil (or pen or computer) to express things that are truly meaningful to you whenever you do have the chance. Best wishes, Mary Amato