Becoming a novelist

[Elvin]

A lot of the members here like to write. Has anyone ever considered trying to go pro at it? I had a talent for it in highschool but I never developed it, and instead tried getting into pharmacy because my dad wanted me to. Now I've failed to get in 2 (probably 3) times and my dad's out of the country, so I've started writing again. I write out a story in my (haha) spare time which I have crazy thoughts of submitting to my local literary agents if it ever gets done, but my literary skill hasn't improved beyond a highschooler's level. Does anyone have similar thoughts?

[xXemobunnyXx]

I actually DO want to go pro at this, I've been writing since I was ten and have over 50 ideas for different novels. I have a writers market directory, and if I ever finish one of mine it will go out to as many publishers as possible.

[Elvin]

Excellent, a like-minded individual. I also have an abundance of ideas (only 12 books worth though...). I'm getting ahead of myself, but I'm looking to debut in the sci-fi young adult category, as my current writing skill isn't at the level an adult could take seriously . My entire story's planned out in my head, I'm just having trouble with the transition to paper. I'm at 17.4k words now, and according to my research (google) ~85k is a good goal to aim for in your debut. They won't even look at one that's too long from an unknown, twilight being the super fluke.

[agito_0291]

At this time I am trying to do something about that. For about the last month and a half I've been working with an old college professor of mine who has published a couple of novels. Our plan is to have a couple stories (at this point I'm working on short stories. I feel that It's good to start small then work up to a full length novel) done by the end of this semester. He will hopefully be able to get me in touch with the right people and if nothing come about from it, I will at least know the process. After a bit more revision I'll post what I'm working on now. It won't be even close to being finished but at least I'll be able to get some feedback from other people.

[Elvin]

Aha, so you have a connection, lucky you

What genre are you two going for?

[JHawkNH]

I like to write, but my skill is no where near good enough to go pro. Besides, I make more money as a systems Admin.

[Sakura]

I bet he's crashing other peoples systems and requires good payment to get the systems running again?

[Elvin]

I like to write, but my skill is no where near good enough to go pro. Besides, I make more money as a systems Admin.

I great idea will make up for lack of skill. I started writing because I felt that I had to get my world on paper.

[agito_0291]

What genre are you two going for?

I actually try not to limit myself to a certain genre or age group. To me things vary so much between each and every thing that I write. For example what I am writing right now looks like it will be more along the lines of a Science Fiction/Horror targeting older teenagers/adults but that doesn't mean that it will still be that way when I am done. And that most certainly doesn't mean that my next story/idea will be horror as well.

[JHawkNH]

I bet he's crashing other peoples systems and requires good payment to get the systems running again?

Hey! No giving my secrets away.