@Lore Team, how did you start? Several questions, ahoy!
The path to success has its twists and turns for all, but it becomes a labyrinth to emerging young adult writers. Advice from experienced authors--I read the requirements for Narrative positions in Riot Games, it's does not support the "Pft, anyone can write!" mentality--is practically essential to us, as we bumble around like idiots and lack direction for our hobby/passion.
I cannot speak for everyone, obviously, but I'll try to ask a few questions that can benefit anyone of similar interests. I would greatly appreciate it if any of the lore team, or any associates or friends of a lore team member, would participate. I know your fingers are probably tired from typing all day, but just a little... please? Don't don't feel pressured to answer every question, as I have many; please share anything subject to your whim.
Note: a bit of research can answer a lot of these questions from a general viewpoint, and there's author biographies everywhere in the market. This is intended to be a little more personal, although it's unlikely to evolve into a complete Q&A session. More like a request for an open-ended conversation.
** 1. Focus and Direction**
Many emerging writers, especially young adults and teenagers, start out by writing for pleasure. We start drafts, trash them, write whatever topic is subject to our whim and shamelessly write about any random thing. Commitment and persistence is key, but there are things not so obvious to us... so here I ask:
- What narrative medium did you choose before joining Riot Games, and why? Is traditional novel publishing the recommended route for those beginning to become interested in publishing, or do you other ideas?
- How did you determine your genre?
- Did you spend a significant amount of time in your life attempting something in the literature arts with little to no success, before realizing something else was your calling? Yes, Riot Games Narrative counts!
- Any advice for writers who lack focus, or finding a direction in their developing hobby and possibly career?
2. From Nobody to Masters of the Universe
- Did you receive a formal education dedicated to writing past required public education? If so, what degrees/studies? If not, how did you find success in the writing career? Would you say that a formal education in literature is a requirement to become a professional writer?
- Did you spend a significant portion of your career as a "nobody," and how did you cope or manage through it?
- What was the turning point in this field, changing your hobby or job into a full career? Meet the right person? Write the right thing? Awaken to a new blazing passion to create your Magnum Opus? Was it being hired by Rito?
- Any advice for emerging writers to make something of themselves in an over-saturated market, or those with long-term plans to join teams in other venues (television, film, etc)?
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3. The Business Stuff
- What were the key "business" elements of writing before you joined Riot Game, like in networking or finding a publisher?
- For emerging writers, what platforms and tools do you recommend? Is blogging an effective practice to gradually enter this world, or is the classic method of sending your manuscript to multiple publishers still the way to go?
- If one is determined to eventually become full-time writer and make a career out of it, assuming they have the necessary writing talent and skill level, how much time would you tell them to expect to pass before they find any inkling of success and/or income? Five years? Ten? Thirty?
- Not exactly the best question to ask since this is a successful video game company... but do you recommend someone to "fold" at some point (stick to hobby writing), or to keep trying to go from amateur hobbyist to professional writer no matter how long it takes?
- Building on the first question, novels are classic but do you recommend emerging writers to apply to young video game companies that need a narrative team?
- What's the best way to build a resume for other venues if you do not plan on becoming a novelist? Is freelance or even volunteer work the best way to go, like writing a script for an amateur theater or for a short film festival?
- Internships for writing seem hard to find, and Hollywood writing internships are heavily discouraged by several online groups with horror stories to boot. Do you have any recommendations for safe, reliable, and trustworthy sources to seek internships and professional solo/team writing training/experience?
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4. Odds and Ends
- Any parting advice?
- Favorite story you've helped shape within LoL lore?
- Be honest with us, what's truly the hardest aspect of writing especially professionally?
Thank you
Thank you for taking time to read this if you did, anyone and everyone who did.
