On the run---- a future in out of doors writing

[striper man]

I am 17 years old and in 10th grade I have been fishing since I was 3.i am obsessed with the outdoors! I Love fishing and hunting and could not imagine having fishing and hunting not in my life it is who I am enough said. I have been thinking about what I want to do when I get out of high school. I love writing and have been writing short stories about my hunting and fishing adventures and have been told they were very good. I write an outdoors column in the school newspaper that is issued every month. I would like to pursue a future in outdoors writing. I would like to know your story about you got started in outdoors writing? What were some of your first writing pieces like? And what you had to do to get to the high level you are at today?.

Thanks Dave.

[John Kumiski]

Hi Dave-

I got started in outdoor writing by accident, and through photography. I met a regional editor of FLorida Sportsman magzine while on a canoe trip in Everglades National Park. He told me I should write for Florida Sportsman magazine, and told me in a general way how to go about it. I took his advice and sold the first thing I ever wrote to FS. I was in my early 30's at the time. Now I'm the proesident of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, have written a bunch of books and lots of magazine pieces, and love life.

I don't know where you live, but many of the state outdoor writers associations have student memberships (see www.fowa.org). Also, if you live in a state where the Fisherman magazine is published, they need articles every single week. They are a good magazine to start making some money with.

Best of luck to you. If I can help at all, don't be agraid to ask.

John Kumiski

[Onshore]

You're on the right track, Dave. Good luck.