How do I persue my dream of being an author?

	How do I persue my dream of being an author? Im 19. My mom and dad want me to work in an office to get money, but Im a good painter (to be honest with myself) and Im also determined to finish my fantasy novel, so my dream is to be a part time artist and a full time author. but the problem is there is so much pressure from everyone around me, my parents would think ive gone insane if i told them i want to be an author becuase they think its not realistic. how realistic is it to want to be an author? Asked By: Kristi - 8/12/2009

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It can be realistic, depending on how you go about it. Let me explain: It's okay for anyone to pursue that kind of dream, no matter who you are and what your age is. I want to be an author too (I'm in my thirties). I also understand where your parents are coming from. It's because most writers usually have a hard time getting a publishing company to accept their work. Even if a publisher accepts your manuscript, it doesn't mean that you'll be making tons of money from it. There's also self-publishing, but it's harder to make money that way unless you know how to market your book really well. Painters can also have a hard time making a decent amount of money, especially if they're not well-known. They also need to buy their own supplies, which can be expensive at times. You see, the people who love you know about these kinds of hardships that artists face and they're afraid you'll end up living a penniless life. Fear is making them tell you that you can't do it. The good news is you don't have be penniless. First find a job (it can be any kind of job) and write/paint during your off hours. Painting and writing will feel like hobbies at first, but people can turn hobbies into careers when they become successful at them. In fact, many well-known writers went through this same path before accomplishing their dreams. I know it doesn't sound fun, but you need to make sure you have a consistent salary in order to pay the bills -- you need to find a way to survive during the years when you're not a successful artist yet. By the way, you don't have to obtain college degrees in art and creative writing in order to become a painter and writer. If you plan on going to college, you can get a degree in whatever other subject that interests you. (psychology, business, nursing, accounting, dental hygiene, criminal law, x-ray technology, teaching, etc.) For instance, Marion Keyes obtained a law degree, but later on she decided it wasn't for her and started writing stories instead. Other suggestions that can help you: -- Whether you're in college or have a job, take art and writing classes. -- Read various books that explain elements of writing, like structure; setting; main plot and subplot; character development; description; pace; and dialogue. -- Read many best-selling novels (also ones that have won awards) and examine each writer's writing style. You'll eventually come up with a writing style of your own. -- Paint a lot and try to sell your works -- get your name out there. The same goes for writing. Write novels to the best of your ability and send them to publishers. You can also try to make small profits by writing short stories and sending them to magazines. (Note: All of this takes a tremendous amount of time. If you're attending college, then it's best to do this during long breaks so it doesn't interfere with your studying.) ** Read a book called A Writer's Book of Hope by Ralph Keyes. It has great information on the tough life of a writer. It's also inspirational. So, yes, follow your passions no matter what anyone tells you. Live the life of your own design. You can do it. But make sure the bills are paid too. Good luck. Answered By: Salas - 8/12/2009

Additional Answers ()

Just write. But you'll also need a job, cuz most writers don't make much money... and if u wanna b 1, then its realistic Answered By: ஜ♥Sabrina Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷStar♥ஜ - 8/16/2009

You can want to be an author all you want. Who cares what your parents think. Just don't get all caught up in yourself, and cocky.. If you are all "I AM GOINZ TO GET THIS PUBLISHED N BE RICH!!!" then you aren't going to be a successful author. Answered By: The Writing Write Who Writes - 8/12/2009

Firstly, common mistake: Pursue, not persue. ** Sorry had to do that. Back to your question. Why don't you write a variety of novels with illustrations and some for kids as well so you can paint alot within your books. Don't worry what your parents might say, it's your decision at the end of the day, and you're old enough to decide what you want to be for the rest of your life. Any why would they think it's not realistic? If you love writing then they should support you. Remember being an author isn't a job. It's something that literally ANYONE can do. Even a five year could do it if it's publisher liked their work. So why don't you be a full-time painter and a part-time author? Simple. Good luck with it all. Answered By: BitterEpiphany [loves.snivelly] - 8/12/2009

Well most authors have two jobs. so why not be an office person - to make your rents happy AND write to make yourself happy its a win win really. Answered By: Rupert Grint Girl - 8/12/2009

I used to be a painter who turned to be writer. I lost my painting skills I don't find difference between painting and writing. painters paint amazing world through colour but writers do it through their words. You are lucky to hold both in you. Try a job but don't let go of your writing and painting skills. Most of the writers have a job which they work for earning their livelihood until they are successful. Once you have success as a writer then you may choose painting and drawing as your full time job. Answered By: smiga - 8/12/2009

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