第14章 Lesson 14: So, You Want to Be a Writer?
What are some tips on becoming a writer?
1. Read everything you can. Most writers are voracious readers. They read because they love to lose themselves in books. They like the sounds of language and the way that reading a good deion can feel as satisfying as winning a race or eating really good food.
As you read, pay attention to what speaks to you. Do you like stories that are fast-paced and full of unexpected twists? Do you prefer to read books with characters who seem like someone you might know? Do you like tales that take you on faraway adventures, or ones that explain the mysteries of the natural world? Do you like to feel scared or do you like a story that makes you laugh until you cry? Think about the types of writing you like best, and try to identify the qualities that appeal to you.
2. Keep a notebook. It's easy to forget a good idea if you do not record it immediately. If you get in the habit of carrying a notebook or journal with you everywhere you go, you can write down anything you want to remember. When you are talking to friends in the cafeteria or waiting for the bus, something might give you an idea for a character or a scene in a story. You might have a dream you don't want to forget, or you might just write down the lyrics of a song you love. These everyday thoughts and observations can be material for a story, poem, or essay that you write one day.
3. Write every day. One piece of advice that nearly all writers agree on is that writers must write. It doesn't matter if you feel like you have nothing to say; the important thing is that you write every single day. Sometimes, you need to give yourself permission to write things you know won't be your best work. Once you start writing, you'll see that this is a good way to clear your mind and make room for more of the "good stuff."
4. Join or start a writing group. Do you have any friends who enjoy writing? Think about starting a writing group with other people who have similar interests. It helps to have the support of other writers. You will also receive valuable feedback, or suggestions, about how to make your work better.
5. Do your homework. If you decide that you would like to submit your work for publication, make sure you do your research. If you are sending your writing to a magazine, look through old issues. Does it seem like your writing fits in with other stories or articles? If you are submitting to a book publisher, explore their Web site to make sure your material is similar (but not exactly the same as) other books they publish.
Also make sure you pay attention to the guidelines. Present your work to them exactly the way they have requested it. If your work doesn't conform to the guidelines, the publisher may not even look at it.
6. Stay positive. A writer's life can be frustrating. Sometimes it's hard to sit down and write. You may get many rejections before you receive a single acceptance. This is why perseverance is an important quality for a writer to have.
Writing can also be one of the most satisfying jobs in the world. Most writers feel lucky to do what they do and wouldn't trade their career for any other. You could become one of them someday.
I. Word List
voracious: to do something a lot
twist: part of a story that is very surprising
lyrics: the words of a song
submit: to give your work to someone else
rejections: when your work is not accepted by a publisher
II. Vocabulary skills—Find words in the reading that mean the same as these words.
1. very eager, having a large appetite: v _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2. the words to a song: l _ _ _ _ _
3. to put forward for consideration: s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4. a set of rules: g _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5. refusals of acceptance: r _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
6. continuing in spite of hardship: p _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
III. Reading skills—Answer the following questions.
1. What are three things you might record in a writer's notebook?
___________________________________________________________.
2. What does the writer mean by "Do your homework"?
___________________________________________________________.
3. Why is perseverance an important quality for a writer?
___________________________________________________________.
4. Why do you think most writers like to read?
___________________________________________________________.
5. Would you like to be a writer? Why or why not?
___________________________________________________________.
IV. Opposites—Find words in the reading that have the opposite meaning to these words.
1. artificial: n _ _ _ _ _ _
2. worst: b _ _ _
3. worthless: v _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4. stand up: s _ _ d _ _ _
5. different: s _ _ _ _ _ _ t _
6. negative: p _ _ _ _ _ _ _