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Stephen Bly |
by Stephen Bly
Copyright©2008
The man with the cowboy hat is holding a thesaurus and a
dictionary and he tells his friend, "I've got all the words I need for my
western. Now I've got to put them in the right order."
So, you want to be a writer? That's a noble goal, it's
true. Jist like big time wrestlin', the urge comes over you, to pen that one
immortal line before your life is through and find your name in micro-print in
America's Who's Who.
So, you want to be a writer? Well, pardner, shake my
hand. I hope your journey's short and swift to that published Promised Land,
where reviews flow in from coast to coast with accolades so grand. And among
them literary giants, you're asked to take your stand.
So, you want to be a writer? Well, it don't sound all
that tough. I hope you find the contracts big and loaded down with fluff. And
editors a beggin' you to send them some more stuff, while your banker's holdin'
up his hands, cryin', "Hold it! That's enough!"
So, you want to be a writer? I know jist how you feel. It
holds a certain status and a glamorous appeal. I've been there once or twice
myself. That hunger's kind of real. 'Til one day you wake up and find, it ain't
that big a deal.
(from "So, You Want To Be A Writer?" copyright©1997)
Here's seven quick tips that might help you kick that barrel
down the trail.