I am 13 years old and I want to be an author. What can I do to prepare for my career?

The most important thing a writer can do, other than write, is read.

Why Is Reading So Important?

You can't be a good writer if you haven't read widely - just as you can't write a pop song without knowing what a pop song sounds like.

Ideally, you should be reading and writing every day if you want half a chance at becoming any good at writing. If you don't have time to read and write on a daily basis (if you've got time to watch TV, you've got time to read!) then at least make sure you're doing an hour of one or the other.

Reading helps you with the following:

• Spelling and grammar
• Understanding genre conventions
• Understanding structure
• Understanding plot and story
• Knowing what not to write - in some ways, I actually think that reading a book and disliking it is just as helpful as reading a book and liking it, providing you take time to think about what you didn't like.

Write, Write, Write

They say it takes around fifteen years for a writer to find their voice. Whether or not this is true, you still need to put in a hell of a lot of practise.

Every time I read over something I've written in the past, I spot flaws in it, or things I don't like, or I think it's terrible. This is a good thing - if I looked back on my old work and thought it was great, then that would mean that I hadn't improved as a writer.

Don't Expect To Make Money

It's almost impossible to earn a living from writing in the current publishing climate. By the time you're old enough to begin your career, this may have changed, but I doubt it will have changed that substantially.

If you write because you want to be a rich and famous author, you're writing for the wrong reasons, and you're wasting your time. Even getting published is no guarantee that you'll earn enough money to live on.

If I were you, I'd study English Literature and Creative Writing when you get to university - because the reading part (English Literature) is just as important as the writing.

In the mean time, just keep practising, and good luck!

Hey, I'm just about your age and I'm going through the same thing!If you want to become an author, then that's fantastic! (I'm really glad someone my age wants to become an author just like me!)

First, you need to find out what type of writing you want to do. If you love the idea of using your imagination in your writing, then fantasy or fiction may be your first choice. If you're more of someone who loves facts, then you might be leaning towards non-fiction and biographies.

After that, pay attention in English class. You can say you want to become a writer, but prove to yourself that you're not lying. You can prove this by learning the proper grammar and basic rules about writing, especially in English.

If you plan to make a series of books (fantasy or fiction), let me give you one key tip. Every reader hates, HATES it when the books after the first one get less interesting. (It's a fact, I'm pretty sure.) For example, The Maze Runner. If you read the series, the first book was so interesting I was captivated into every word. When I picked up the next one, I couldn't stay awake. (Sorry fans of James Dashner!) Do not do this, I'm begging you.

Next practice your metaphors that you insert in your book. If you notice, some of the best stories have amazing metaphors that help the reader imagine the scene that the characters are in. For example, "Her blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight, and her blonde hair waved gently with the subtle wind." Use crafty imagery to keep your audience listening.

Research! We have the Internet for a reason! There are tons of articles on websites like WikiHow that can help you with tips. You can do it! And good luck.