I have always enjoyed reading books, so I have often contemplated becoming a full-time writer, as something I wished to do with my life – it is one of the few Career ideas I have thought about over the years that has frequently been there. As far as Careers go, however, it has always seemed like something that will be a difficult role to take on – indeed, looking into other peoples experiences of it as always been that it’s hard to get started. However, nearly every accomplished author will tell you they love it. However, as life goes on, I always seemed to find other New careers which seemed like they would be more secure. So actually becoming an author never really materialised, although it was something I did think about, and I did keep writing occasionally in my spare time. Now, however, it is something I wish to really think about, and there are several reasons why.
Firstly, I still haven’t truly found any other Careers that I would really like to do all of the time. My current job, working in a call centre, is extremely dull, and at times quite stressful – and of late I’ve been spending a lot of time questioning why I’m still there. I have been trying to come up with other Career ideas, but nothing really appeals to me the way books do. So I’ve choosen – no more New careers for me, I am going to focus on realising my childhood dream, and these are the steps I am going to follow in order to achieve that goal.
Firstly – research, and a lot of it, too. I started recently with a journey to one of my favourite shops – Waterstones – and spent a good hour looking through all the children’s books. I looked at all the artwork, the different stories, the various styles, and just took in as much information as I could about the books that are offered. I paid extra attention to books which had won awards, as I would imagine these books are the best of the best. I gathered as much information as possible, and then had to leave for fear of buying anything. I then went to my local library, where I borrowed out some books for further reference.
Next, I have to draw, draw, and draw even more. I aim to do my own illustrations, and the more I practice, the better I’ll get, and so the better chance I have. I do think I’m reasonably good, but much of what is existing out there is extremely high standard, so I know I’ll really have to try hard to get up to scratch. I am putting my writing ability as a second priority to that, as I am already pretty confident that I can write quite well.
So this is my plan, to aid me getting the career I have always wanted. If (or when, positive thinking!) I become successful, I want to be an inspiration to others who are trapped in a dead end job, with dreams to follow.