How to Become a Writer

The exploration of oneself – thoughts, attitudes, motivations, values and goals – is the act and art of writing. However, there's more to becoming a writer than simply learning how to be a good writer--you must approach writing as a craft and as a profession in order to turn it into a career.

Steps

1. Consider all of the options. Not everyone can create a blockbuster novel. Anyone with passion might be able to earn a living from writing. Copywriting is probably the highest paid skill on the Internet. Article writing is in great demand for providing content for websites. Creative writers are in demand to bid for projects every day. So the first step in how to become a writer is to research all of the options.
2. Use logic and desire to create the vision you want.
3. Think about what you want to write, instead of what you want to get from writing. You won't get anywhere if all you're after is money.
4. Be prepared to work odd hours -- you'll need to write whenever ideas strike, even if it's the middle of the night. Completely immerse yourself in the world you create.
5. Find what works for you and stick with it. Even if you get dozens of rejection slips, if you feel comfortable working the way you do, you'll eventually have success.
6. Know that writer’s block is a real thing. Too much writing, and too deep concentration, can cause you to not be able to write a word. Your focus and concentration leave, and you can just sit and stare at the page or the computer or typewriter, and not have a thing come to mind to write.
7. Take a break to refresh your mind. Take a drive, or a walk, go to a movie, or just read a book. You may need a day, or a week to be able to once again concentrate. Be patient, your writers block will leave in due time.

Tips

• Carry a notebook with you everywhere. You never know when inspiration will hit. Be prepared to jot down ideas or any creative thoughts that come to you.
• Read great books. Pay attention to how and why great writing pulls you in and captivates your imagination.
• Join a writers group.Gather.com is great for writers and budding writers. People like you and me write, and read, and critique, and teach. It is free to join and a great place to learn.
• Learn how to use conversation in your writing. People talk, and you will have to learn how to make it look real. There is a knack to doing writing talking.
• There are many forms of writing, find one that you feel comfortable with, and use that style.
• Remember, that John Grisham had his first novel rejected. Later on it became a movie.
• Imagine you are sitting next to your reader , and write the way you would speak to them - if you imagine this then your writing will become warm.
• Read it all out loud and if you stumble when reading, then change the wording!

Warnings

• It may take many rejections until you get an acceptance.

source : http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Writer
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Video games 'good for children'

Computer games can promote problem-solving and team-building in children, according to games industry experts.

The message forms part of the Edinburgh International Games Festival, which is holding events for schoolchildren to create their own games.

Children at the Royal Museum are designing characters, as well as writing dialogue and storylines.

The games industry has denied claims that it is responsible for creating couch potatoes and promoting violence.

Last month, the Dixons group decided not to sell a controversial Edinburgh-developed video game, Manhunt, because the family of a murdered boy linked it to his death.


Children say that playing violent games is a way for them to get rid of their frustrations
Judy Robertson
Edinburgh University
The manufacturers have denied there is any connection between on-screen violence and real life.

Other events at the festival include game screenings, game-play sessions and a two-day conference.

Games creators and publishers from the UK, Japan and Canada are expected to attend.

Festival director Lisa Fox said: "What we've tried to do is appeal to everyone. So we have a trade conference and two consumer events, which give the public the chance both to get hands-on with the games and to meet the people who make them.

"It's a place to explore the art and the business of interactive entertainment."

'World-leading talent'

Dr Judy Robertson, of Edinburgh University, said some children had told her during computer games workshops that playing violent games did not result in violence in real life.

She said: "Children say that playing violent games is a way for them to get rid of their frustrations, they get rid of their anger and take things out on the characters in the computer games rather than people in the playground."

Chris Van Der Kuyl, of VIS Entertainment, said it wanted to make games which were fun and entertaining.

He said video gaming is "the biggest entertainment industry in the 21st century".

"People have to realise it is the future and we have world-leading talent here in Scotland."


Source Info site BBC News
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Health Education From Coca Cola Foundation

click image for enlarge
CCFI focuses its Health Education Program on the subject of HIV and AIDS education for the country’s youth. CCFI has been actively supporting HIV/AIDS education since 2003 through the ‘STAR’ Program that is conducted through CCFI-supported Learning Centers.  In partnership with the Health Promotional Services of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, CCFI provided training to Learning Center management on HIV/AIDS education, and how to deliver information regarding HIV/AIDS to teenagers.

The ‘STAR’ Program was executed in four cities, namely Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta, and Surabaya. A “Peer Educator” training program was also implemented in the four cities in order to increase the effectiveness of the HIV/AIDS information campaign towards teenagers, with the aim of inviting those interested in passing on information regarding HIV/AIDS to their schools or personal social networks.

In 2004-2005, CCFI continued the HIV/AIDS education program by conducting training and developing educational materials. Activities performed included training teenagers, non-governmental organizations as well as high school counselors from senior high schools (SMA) in Jakarta, Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar. The training program was aimed to providing these people with the required knowledge and skill sets to pass on information to students or become facilitators and distributors of HIV/AIDS education in their respective schools.  The training was conducted using an educational video that came with a training guideline that was developed by CCFI and other organizations actively supporting HIV/AIDS education.

source info Coca Cola Foundation site

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