Do you think that age matters with regards to getting published? I'm seventeen years old and I've been seriously writing since 2009. I'm completely certain that writing is my forte, but I'd really an opinion on this.
thanks
Do you think that age matters with regards to getting published? I'm seventeen years old and I've been seriously writing since 2009. I'm completely certain that writing is my forte, but I'd really an opinion on this.
thanks
SNAP!
Writing begins in the heart and soul and not with the coming of age or perceived wisdom. I think of Keats and of Adele. I agree with Victoria especially about environment and circumstances shaping you not only as an individual but also as a writer. In my case my mother abandoned my brother and I when i was five and he a babe in arms. She abandoned us to a violent, alcoholic father who of course was never around and of course died young. My brother became an alcoholic and was often violent. My gran who we lived with, through me out at seventeen because to her, my brother had become her lost son and she fed his addiction. I managed to get a job, save up and even funded my way through university. I married young and lost my wife of twenty-six years to cancer leaving two young daughters.I found writing after her death not as a solace but as a beautiful thing; an emotion that had been missing from my life. I write for myself, that's true but I write for all sentient beings. It may appear odd but I actually write comedy the best, all forms from satire to stand-up and I've promised myself that one day I'll have a go at stand-up myself.
" In fact, a neighbour gave a thoroughly honest opinion of a story when I was twenty and I didn't write again for six months. If you are ready to produce work of a publishable standard, bravo, but think very carefully about whether you can take criticism and, most importantly, adapt your work to any market required. That is the difference between a dreamer and a writer."
This is fantastic advice to anyone.
I've asked my wife to read through my first draft. Knowing that she will be honest and offer me some constructive criticism of my novel.
And so far, three chapters in the feedback has been really constructive and has helped me make positive changes to the writing.
I think that is the key for any writer. Published or not. Is having someone that you can gain an honest opinion from. For me it is my wife. But for others it may be a friend, brother or sister or even a neighbor.