h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi, I have a friend who is interested in becoming an author, I was wondering if you have any tips please.

Hey there, thanks for posting! Wow, there is just so much I could say, but I'll try to trim it down to what I consider to be the essentials.

Many would argue that one does not "become" an author, but that one is a writer by nature. With this in mind, my best advice is to write, write, write. Keeping a journal is a great way to get in the habit of writing consistently and frequently. Reading is also very important. Not only does it broaden one's knowledge in general, but it gives one a sense of the way in which stories flow. I would also advise your friend to take classes and/or read books on different styles of writing in order to learn tricks and tips to hone their skills.

If you are asking about actually getting work published, that is a bit tougher. First of all, where does your friend live? The rules and accepted methods vary from country to country, region to region. Secondly, what does your friend wish to write? Are they interested in novels, screenplays, magazine articles, poetry? Whatever your friends' goals, they should be able to find books and literature on publishing in their local library, book shop, or even online.

I hope this is helpful!

Myjo

Okay, I'm a dork. Your title is "Writing books", so clearly your friend wants to be a novelist. Sorry to seem dense when I asked what type of writing they wanted to do. Guess I got a little bogged down in my own anser, there.

Myjo

Thanks for the advice the other day, my friend has read it and told me she has found it very informative and usefull.

Glad to help out.

Myjo