Advice on Becoming a Professional Writer Please

[JohFlow]

I have always had a love of writing and have an double degree in Education and English. I write at home just for fun and my mind is constantly buzzing with , 'Oo! What would that be like as a subject' or 'I could immerse myself in that'.

There have been a few comments along the way (from class colleagues, family, friends, lecturers etc.) that I should look into writing professionally.

I feel that there is at least one good book in me - but where to start?

Does anyone have experience of setting up as a writer? What should I do/avoid?

Can you suggest what I could read or who to approach for advice. I could do with some insider info,

Thanking You Kindly

'bump'

I am sure there is a creative writing school or academy or something similar advertised on mumsnet.

You could try Googling Faber Academy, they do creative writing courses.

Are you already writing in your own time? If not, start, as writing is a muscle, and has to be trained to work through writer's block, tiredness and not-feeling-like-it.

Jumping in with no other job is too great a risk.

Sorry, not paying very close attention! I ought to have asked how much you were writing in your own time!

The Writer's Way, by Sara Maitland, has lots if exercises and ideas, she is an author and creative writing tutor.

What do you want to write? Novels? Adult or childrens? What genre?

The author Susy McPhee runs a writers' retreat which might be helpful. Disclaimer: Susy and I used to work together, which is how I know this exists, but I have no other involvement!

Thank you all for your responses so far - most helpful!

Thanks to Laura for the Faber recommendation. It's important that any training that I do now is industry-focussed and post-grad. Will check out if the Faber course is so. Many thanks for that.

Renter - Thank you for your observations. I agree that some days are more difficult that others. I try to write something daily -whatever captures my imagination really. Sometimes I can write a good quantity on one day (but look back and think there are separate ideas within that are stronger on their own); sometimes I only write a paragraph but it is absolutely 'spot on'! I am dedicated to writing no matter what the day has been like.

Doctrine - Thanks for the book recommendation - will see if I can track it down on my kindle later.

Joni -Writing for children in particular excites me. Either poetry or non-fiction books. I hope that I am able to fully utilise my twenty years experience of working with children and young people this way.

Trib -Thanks for the link to the retreat. Will look into that later. Since you are 'in the loop' already; are there any organisations/books that have inspired Susy and you along the way? Do you write yourself now?