Mon
Nov 29 2010 12:44pm
So You Want to be a Writer?

Via Mary Robinette Kowal:

I think every writer, aspiring, or professional, has a friend like this!

(Video by David Kazzle and Xtranormal.)

8 comments
Alex Brown
1. AlexBrown
I ran into this all the time when I was in LA. While I was hoping to be a screenwriter myself I was under no delusions that it was a shitty business to break into. Yet I'd meet person after person with some terrible script in their back pocket dismayed that Brad Pitt didn't want to read it. Even now that I work in a library I constantly get people checking out Robert McKee books and expecting to be the next Big Thing in Hollywood. It makes my heart hurt.
Gina 'Oz Pound
2. KawaiiOz
I'm sure this is familiar *laughs*
I think it's okay to want to become a writer or screenplay writer, but you need to be under no illusions about the bussiness. You really need to do your research, find out the best routes and talk to the people already doing the job.
But even after all the discouragement, I still want to become a Screenplay writer or a novelist after I finish college. *sigh*
Aidan Moher
3. aidan
Motivation and an unyielding desire are good. Misconceptions about your own abilities or the reality of the industry are bad!

:)
dwkazzie
4. dwkazzie
Hey guys,

thanks for posting my "Write a Novel" video. It's been awesome seeing the response to it.
Charles Godfrey
5. Charles Godfrey
The video is cute, but made the dream seem so unattainable. What does one do to have his book published?
Kurt Lorey
6. Shimrod
I have seen several of these now. The one about "quantatative easing" just about made me fall off my chair laughing.

Great stuff from all who create these little gems.
Aidan Moher
7. aidan
@dwkazzie — We need to thank *you* for making the video! I work closely with one of these people in my day job and they're an absolute handful! Especially those of us who are trying humbly to pursue a publishing career in the proper fashion.

@Charles —To publish a novel: work your buns off (unlike the hapless fellow in the video)!
dwkazzie
8. Gaminx
You meet these people all the time at writing courses. They think their book is the next Harry Potter... more than likely it's the story of a down and out writer who wishes they could be the next big thing. And I feel like slapping people who say they want to be a writer then can't remember the last book they read. Sigh.

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