How do you become a writer??

[Flamesparrow]

Not novels - I don't feel I have novels in me, but the kind of things you get in papers and magazines where people seem to get paid for writing their musings on the world?

I know obviously it is a start at the bottom and work up, but where is the bottom?

I have only ever done lab work and office work, and wouldn't have a clue where to even start.

I'm not a writer - I do PR and communications. But I write lots of newsletters and web copy for clients and I enjoy it. I've decided to focus on the mum and baby market - in the last week I've written articles on:

• taming tantrums
• rainy day play
• potty training (2 of those)
• kids who eat in front of the tv
• what's on in december for kids
• second stage weaning and finger foods

I started my business in April by writing to a company I wanted to work for - and it's grown from there. I did have PR experience before though but had never written newsletters before

I've always written a lot since I was a teenager. I just did it. That's all. Pick something you want to write about and write it. Occasionally I've found a directory of trade publications helpful called BRAD which lists things like the address of ice cream monthly, the Grower, just about every publication there is. If you can non exclusively license something you've written 10 times for 10 fees in different markets then it can become even easier, not that I've often been able to do that. In other words the more you do the easier it is, like anything.