Guides to writing for a living

[Icky_Thoomp]

Hi All,

Way back when the Writing forum was first introduced to ZGeek there was an awesome post with some information on books and websites to read for aspiring writers/journalists. I know Kleph had some input plus, possibly, Bifrost.

If anyone could repost this info, you would make me very happy. I will be starting to write for a local football paper in Wollongong later this year (still in the planning stages) and want to not fuck up by writing in a shitty way. +rep and coffee for any help.

Cheers
Icky

[BlueBoy]

This one: http://www.zgeek.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25119 ?

[Sagacious]

Hi All,

Way back when the Writing forum was first introduced to ZGeek there was an awesome post with some information on books and websites to read for aspiring writers/journalists. I know Kleph had some input plus, possibly, Bifrost.

If anyone could repost this info, you would make me very happy. I will be starting to write for a local football paper in Wollongong later this year (still in the planning stages) and want to not fuck up by writing in a shitty way. +rep and coffee for any help.

Cheers
Icky the best advice given to me when I was contemplating making a living as a writer was 'learn to live cheap. Cos unless you make it big it is a hard living to make.' So instead I went into Law and am making a living writing and arguing for a living except there are penalties for publishing what I write and what is written about those I represent under certain circumstances. Go figure.

[Icky_Thoomp]

This one: http://www.zgeek.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25119 ?

Yes! Where the fuck was it?

Edit: I just worked it out for myself. Fuck you Pirate and the shitty "Show only threads from the last month" display settings!!! :lol:

Thanks BlueBoy - contrary to popular opinion I reckon you are OK. :nod:

[kleph]

I will be starting to write for a local football paper in Wollongong later this year (still in the planning stages) and want to not fuck up by writing in a shitty way.

there really isn't any better advice than 'just do it.' the more you write, the better you will get.

i'd suggest looking at various folks who write in the format and style similar to what you think you will be doing and get a sense for how they structure things. as for HOW to write, just try and tell the reader the kind of information you would want to know. i know that sounds like common sense but it's sometimes difficult to keep in mind when you are in the process of writing.

also, if you are doing sports writing i'd suggest going to every team you will be covering and getting a list of their players and statistics. find out who keeps this information and get on a first-name basis with them. most likely this will be the person you most have to deal with once you get started.