How to get started in the craft?
Hello all!
I’m 26 years old and have been an avid reader for the past 5 years especially. Genres I typically enjoy are horror/thriller, sci-fi, and fantasy, though I do read a bit of everything.
Recently, I’ve been feeling very inspired by both movies (Obsession in particular), and literature, and I suddenly have the desire to start writing, in an attempt to create something that will leave readers feeling even slightly like I do when closing a book, or leaving the theater.
I’m a passionate person when it comes to hobbies and interests, especially new ones, but this one feels a bit daunting to me for some reason.
I probably haven’t written anything truly creative and non-academic since like middle school, and feel very intimidated and inadequate - like an imposter, or that I’m starting this too late.
Any advice on how to jump into writing, essentially for the first time seriously? I realize not to expect great work from jump, and starting with short stories is likely best?
But for someone like me, what’s a real achievable path/goals? I’m a software engineer by trade, so I may be approaching this too analytically already.. but any and all advice for someone just jumping in would truly be very appreciated!