A client of mine recently wrote an article with five tips for young architects who are out of school for the summer. Taking a page from their book, I'd like to offer tips and tricks for beginning writers who should also make the most of their time away from the classroom.
Here are 6 things all aspiring writers should do this summer.
Interview veteran writers and editors
Picking the brain of a writer from your local newspaper, an aunt who authored a few books, a novelist you admire, or a freelance writer who made it on his own is all priceless education and opportunities for growth. Don't forget to ask them to critique your samples!
Get an internship or summer writing job Some of the best writers and editors I know started as interns at newspapers and magazines. I loved watching them soak everything in like sponges and kick-start their careers. This is a chance to get your foot in the door and flex your writing skills.
Get your portfolio ready
For any quality writer, a portfolio is more important than a resume. People want to see and read what you've written, edited, projects you've collaborated on, etc. Make sure your portfolio speaks to your style, experience, and shows your range as a budding writer.
Expand your writing range
Don't be a one-trick pony. Use your extra time this summer to get outside your comfort zone and write on different topics and styles (news, creative, sports, explanatory, poetry, screenwriting, fiction, blogs, etc.).
Read with a critical eye
People say all writers need to read, read, read. Yes, but do so with an analytical eye. What did you like or dislike about what you read? How would you have written it differently? Read published work of good writers and bad writers. You will learn from both.
Find your happy place
Summer is a great time to self-evaluate and discover what works for you as a writer. What time of day are you most productive? And where do prefer to write (nearby coffee shop, park bench, home office, library)? Writing where you are happy and motivated is crucial.
Thanks for reading! If you'd like to read more from our blog collection here at Edit This®, below are a few links to helpful and educational blogs I've written specifically for writers.
*STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This, LLC, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.