The Keys to Success in Writing and Life
Matt Rodgers
Glenn Scott
Media Writing
28 June 2009
The Keys to Success in Writing and Life
If there is one thing that I have learned about writing through both this course and these letters from the professionals, it is that writing fundamentals and truthful reporting are two of the most important parts of being a successful writer. Both give readers the urge to read your story. Also, the professional writers make some very good points about how important it is to write about something you love. Good fundamentals prove that the writer knows what they are doing, and being truthful in all that one writes helps to establish long term credibility, but without passion, there is no depth to the story.
If there is one point that all of the professional writers agree on, it is that established fundamentals are the key long-term success. Even the best ideas and stories, when written poorly, will not be worth reading. I feel that as a young and developing writer that I have a lot to learn. I also feel that I need to practice my fundamentals if I ever want to pursue writing.
Another major point that some of the professionals wrote to us about is truth. It is astonishing how many people will believe whatever they read in the papers or see on TV. I once saw a film, based on a true story, called Shattered Glass and it was about an up and coming news reporter who fabricated over a dozen stories, and it was years before anyone ever found out. I feel that it is so much more important to tell a story that is true and meaningful, rather than a story that was just made up or exaggerated to sell papers. Without integrity, what is the purpose of writing and reporting the news in the first place?
Lastly, I agree 100 percent with these professionals that it is more important to write about what you love, rather than the size of your paycheck. I think that it would be incredibly exciting to go to sporting events and write about the outcome, or even report it live as it is happening. To me, doing these things would be much more interesting than reporting stock prices each evening. Sure I could be making more money, but what is money without passion?
Regardless of what profession I end up going into, these writing tips from the professionals hold true in every aspect of life. I need to do something I love, in a truthful manner, and as fundamentally sound as possible to put me on the path towards long-term success.
