ASK A FREELANCER PT. 5
Rizoh asks: So what you're saying is that if a lawyer seeks employment with an established firm, they ask to see his resume/qualifications, but if a writer wants to be published, all he has to do is write? Got it.
That's not what I was saying. It's not that qualifications don't matter - of course they do. But to borrow your analogy, if you want to become an attorney, you need to go to law school, you need to pass the bar exam. In writing, there is no similar, regimented system. Going to journalism school is not a prerequisite to finding work as a writer. Outside of the daily newspapers, for whom j-school is more relevant, I would guess that most professional writers (by which I mean people who make at least some part of their living as freelancers) don't hold a j-school degree or have even taken a writing class.
As I noted, I think they can only help but I don't think you need to take a class AND THEN write. Start with writing.
Rizoh continues: However, I don't completely agree that a blog has no editorial vision at all.
I meant in terms of the fact that personal blogs don't have an editor that reads over your posts and tells you, "ok, this works, this doesn't, try tightening this up," etc.
I think blog writing is a good way to get in the habit of writing a lot and just learning through practice. But, it can also be a hinderance if it's the only mode of writing you're exposed to. 99% of blog writing simply wouldn't cut it with most publications. At its best, it can give someone a sense of what your interests and even your writing voice is like...but in most cases, it doesn't necessarily suggest to an editor that you'd be able to work within the structure of publication/editorial system. To re-use your previous analogy again, you could be a kick ass debater but that doesn't mean you'd be aces in a courtroom. The two settings might share similarities but there's also a world of difference between them too.
Serg asks: how about you tell me how I can be a music writer by hating on everything that sucks and never having to deal with people telling me I say "f----" too much. I'm kind of getting paid already but I'd like to quit my job and make a living at yelling at people. Kind of like being a rapper but without the rap.
I wish there was such a writing job, but unless you can get Beer and Rap sponsored and syndicated, I think you might have a tough time with it. I like the idea of being a rapper without the rap though. You could be like an anti-hypeman. Or maybe there's a future in stand-up comedy waiting for you.
Seriously though, I don't thin writing has to always be in support of something...but if you don't like something, why waste the words on crapping on it? Believe me, I understand, hate feels good sometimes but to try to make a living at it? Save your soul, young Serg Dun.
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