Exploring the Path of Writing: Fun or Profession for Teenagers?

As a teenager, is it better to write strictly for fun or to aim for a professional career in writing? This question has intrigued many young minds and writers alike. Personally, my journey began with no specific goal in mind. Over time, as I kept writing, I discovered a sense of purpose and direction in my work, which greatly enhanced my writing experience.

When starting out, it's important to remember that without any goal, it's easy to deviate from the original intention and end up with a piece that makes no sense. It's highly recommended to always engage in activities that make you happy, so becoming a professional writer can be an enjoyable pursuit rather than a burden.

Strategies for Fun and Meaningful Writing

Heuristically, you can adopt strategies similar to those I use. For instance, I draft short pieces without much thought, and if I later decide to refine them, I go back and add details or improve the content. It's crucial not to delete any drafts, even if they seem terrible initially. Drafting everything, from first thoughts to polished versions, ensures you have plenty of material to work with later.

Another helpful tip is to type at a pace that matches your speaking rate. This helps you stay on track and reduces the likelihood of missing important details. During the writing process, you can shorten words and leave them misspelled until the final edit. A great technique is to use shorthand, for example, writing "ur" instead of "you're." This allows you to maintain a natural flow while writing faster.

Self-Publishing as a Gateway to Exploration

I started writing my first novel at the age of 14 and had it published by the time I turned 16. Currently, I am almost 18 and working on my fourth book. Writing during these formative years has been incredibly beneficial because it allowed me to explore my writing skills without the expectation of financial support. It's important to remember that you don't need to make a final decision about your future career in writing just yet.

If you're uncertain about whether you want to pursue professional writing, consider self-publishing a book through platforms like Lulu's. This approach gives you the option to publish and sell your work on Amazon and Barnes Noble's websites without the full investment of traditional publishing. This can help clarify your goals without the high financial and time commitments.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you aim to write purely for enjoyment or to embark on a professional writing career, it's all about enjoying the process and finding your own unique path. By focusing on what brings you joy and continuously improving your skills, you can achieve great results both for fun and potentially for profit.