Since I haven't been on toontown since there's something wrong with the credit card and Can't subscribe again, Ive been researching on what I want to be when I grow up. I've decided, Since I love writing about exciting events that have happened to me in VERRY good detail(so Ive been told) and I absolutely LOVE entertainment, I would LOVE to be a magazine editor and a journalist for a very known magazine like People or Cosmo. I really want to do something very BIG in my life like this. I live in a town where the schools have police officers guarding the doors. O_o I REALLY WANT TO GET OUT OF HERE. Because Ill probably never achieve ANYTHING if I stay here. So I was wondering.. I know I'm not even in High school yet , but I was wondering if there's anything I can do to so there's more likely a chance for me to become one? And get out of this town? If you have information about this please PM me I really appreciate it.

Do you have a counselor at your school? One of their purposes is to help you with things like this. Also - if your school has a newspaper, get on their staff as soon as you can. If they don't have one, talk to a teacher about starting one, and find a teacher (English teacher most likely) to help (you'll need a teacher sponsor anyway).

After that, or even if you find you can't do those things (except talking to the counselor - insist on that), just write as much as you can, as often as you can. Look up any resources for learning to write, and just practice, even if you and your parents are the only ones to read it. If not your parents you should have an adult that will read it - maybe a teacher? Ask them to give you ideas and show you how to do better. Be ready to take criticism, though, without getting your feelings hurt. You'll have to learn that eventually too!

Keeping a journal will help you practice writing every day. We have blogs here if you want to try that, but remember, no personal info!

As far as getting out of your town - start thinking now about where you'd like to go to college. Don't pressure yourself yet about it but think about it. Get the best grades you possibly can so you have a great chance of going wherever you want. BUT!! No matter where you do go to college, you can live anywhere you want afterwards. So don't feel stuck in your town! Get your dream, and follow it....let your parents know, get their support, get adults behind you to encourage you. You can do anything!

Those are some ideas I can think of right now...I didn't PM them in case anyone else has any ideas for you.

*echoing what LadyZ wrote*

That's very admirable for you to already be thinking about a career. Take as many English, Literature and writing courses as you can and, if possible, find a teacher to use as your mentor. Believe in yourself, first and foremost, and follow your dream.

One thing LadyZ mentioned that is crucial to making it as a journalist/writer. Being a freelance writer myself, I can certainly attest to the need to develop a "tough skin" when it comes to criticism. Maintain an open mind, try to learn from your mistakes and also remembering the critic's opinions don't define who you are, and they are just that: opinions.

Another great piece of advice is to write everyday. Writers write. Maintain that passion, set goals for yourself, strive to be the best you can be, and don't let anyone deter you from reaching for your dream!

Good luck!!

Absolutely great advice! My niece has always kept a journal. The other thing she did was to read, read, read. Even if you can't move your body out of town, your mind can go lots of places
She read the classics in high school just for fun! She wasn't a straight A student, but she pursued those things she really enjoyed. She sometimes shares parts of her journals and that is always great.

She was lucky enough to have one of her college papers published in a book! So, you never know where things can lead.

Yes, Sandra!! Reading is also fundamental. Wasn't that a slogan at one time? LOL! But yes, read read and read even more!

These ladies have some very good advice. One other thing you might try is writing contests. I just received info about one for writing from our librarian. It is local first and then national, but is for elementary kids. I'm sure your area must have some as well. If I receive something for a national one, I will definitely try to pass it on to you. The guidance counselor would also have info about different local and national contest. Who knows maybe you can write children's or adult's books. Good luck to you! Of course as a teacher I would also encourage you to read, read, and read some more.

Miss Sandy Thunderpoof

Hmmm, yes. Our state PTA sponsors several writing contests. Check with your teacher!

Above all don't get discouraged. Take advice people give you and hang in there! Practice, practice, practice No one starts out as a famous writer.

Thank for all the advice! But.. Im home schooled. What should I do if Im home schooled?

I would suggest looking online for writing contests, any sort of information you can find. I know there are also several online sites and national organizations devoted to supporting published and unpublished writers as well.

Many college scholarships are given out based on essays. OOOOH I will look for the web site for the scholarships for you.

I'll PM you if I find it.

Here is the national scholarship web site that our office recommends. We hear that many students avoid the ones with essays, (probably because they are lazy ) so be sure and apply for the scholarships that require an essay.

http://www.fastweb.com

Good luck on your search!

Since you're home schooled, make sure your parents know your dream and ask them to help you look up information. Your local librarian can probably help too! Even talk to your local newspaper, they should be happy to share ideas with you.

Ahhh yes! *thunks head* I can't believe I didn't mention the library!! Another thing I thought of was to call a local school with your age/grade and ask if you could speak to a counselor there. *shrug* The worst thing they can tell you is they can't help!

There are usually home school networks available in your area. Families that home school can use these groups as resources. They often have access to special events, job shadow, etc. Talk to your parents or whomever is coordinating your home schooling I am sure they can help get you on track.

I'm going to ask my counselor if they have a course of journalism. And... alot of my uncles and aunts are happy about what I want to be when I grow up, but the only one that isn't supporting my idea is my mom. =[ the most important one. she said its up to me, but she wants me to be an Air Marshall like my dad or be in the FBI(which I did wanted to be in).

Well, at your age the world is still wide open anyway, so maybe she's thinking you'll change your mind again. I hope you'll be honest with her and keep talking about things like this so there are no surprises. I'll bet she'll support you no matter what. Ask her to help you try this (and maybe other things) out so that when the time comes she'll be satisfied that you're making an informed choice! I changed my mind many times, even after I was in college, so just saying it's what you want now doesn't mean you have to. It's normal at your age to change your mind and want to try different things but some kids DO know what they want at this age...both of you keep an open mind!

I hadn't thought of the public school...around here they have to make resources available to homeschoolers too because they also pay the taxes. You could even take a course at the public school here, so if your mom is willing maybe you could look into that. Since your uncles and aunts are behind you, how about starting a family newspaper? You could practice different styles of writing and ask for their help with ideas.