Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
In this edition of the Q&A for working women in India, life coach Jaya Narayan answers a question on how to become a writer. How can someone with a flair for writing find opportunities?
How to become a writer
I am a senior technical writer at a leading software company in Bangalore. This type of writing involves more of manuals and documents for software products. Since my return to the workforce after a 2-year gap, I feel like I am in the wrong profile. I love to write and want to continue but don’t know how to progress from this phase. How do I find out how good I am at other types of writing? I like to read articles on social issues, feminism and family-oriented topics. I admire the way some writers articulate what they feel. I wish I knew how to progress into something where I can show a bit of myself in my writing. How do I test myself?
“Dream big and dare to fail.”
You now know what you don’t enjoy. It is often the first step to take the big leap of faith.
A gap between jobs helps us unconsciously realize our likes and dislikes. Don’t assume based on familiarity that it is writing that you enjoy most. Here is a broader question I would like to ask, “If you had a day to yourself and you could do/be whatever you enjoyed – what would the day be for you”? What will engage you most? Would it be reading, writing, education, a hobby, baking, something creative? Start on a blank slate. Ask people around you – what they have observed about you. In which activity would you be most absorbed and satisfied? There has been an earlier suggestion (to another reader) to discover their strength, that is also a good approach to get started.
If writing is the answer to the above – at least you now know for sure. Blogging is the easiest way to get initiated. You could choose a broad theme; it could be social issues, parenting, feminism, movies, music etc. Many websites allow guest bloggers to post on their site. In addition, many magazines (online and print) are on the lookout for freelance writers. Before you approach them, you need to create a repository of material that can be accessed to ascertain the quality of your writing. You could also explore writing fiction – there are many online publishing houses you could leverage. Alternatively, you could participate in writing competitions. Find channels that allow for large readership.
– Always ask for constructive feedback to further your strengths and develop on the gaps in writing skill.
– Connect with other writer for tips to get started and remain consistent.
– Network pro-actively and be on the lookout for opportunities.
– Attend a course (online or offline) on creative writing
– Join a community of writers/bloggers
– Read; especially articles and blogs by successful writers
With the explosion in social media, there is no dearth of opportunities. All you need to do is to sit down and create an exit plan from technical writing. I wish you lots of success.
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*Photo credit: Mehmet Pinarci (Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License.)
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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