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How I Became a Writer
My one writerly habit was describing everything I did, no matter how absorbing or how trivial, as if I were standing outside myself and watching. That is, I would get up in the morning and look out the window, all the time thinking, “She slid from the rumpled bed, yawned, and looked out at the pale . . . no, thin winter light. It was going to be another one of those days. . . .” That kind of thing; very corny.
Every writer’s origin story is different. In How I Became a Writer , Gloria Steinem charts her unlikely journey from restless teen in Toledo, Ohio, to professional magazine writer in Manhattan—with sage advice and “random directives” for getting started.
How I Became a Writer was originally published in Glamour , October 1965.
Cover design by Adil Dara.
Every writer’s origin story is different. In How I Became a Writer , Gloria Steinem charts her unlikely journey from restless teen in Toledo, Ohio, to professional magazine writer in Manhattan—with sage advice and “random directives” for getting started.
How I Became a Writer was originally published in Glamour , October 1965.
Cover design by Adil Dara.
11 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1965
89 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Steinem
117 books3,252 followersGloria Marie Steinem (born March 25, 1934) is an American feminist, journalist, and social and political activist who became nationally recognized as a leader of, and media spokeswoman for, the women's liberation movement in the late 1960s and 1970s. A prominent writer and key counterculture era political figure, Steinem has founded many organizations and projects and has been the recipient of many awards and honors. She was a columnist for New York magazine and co-founded Ms. magazine. In 1969, she published an article, " After Black Power, Women's Liberation", which, along with her early support of abortion rights, catapulted her to national fame as a feminist leader.
In 2005, Steinem worked alongside Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan to co-found the Women's Media Center, an organization that works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, media and leadership training, and the creation of original content. Steinem currently serves on the board of the organization. She continues to involve herself in politics and media affairs as a commentator, writer, lecturer, and organizer, campaigning for candidates and reforms and publishing books and articles.
In 2005, Steinem worked alongside Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan to co-found the Women's Media Center, an organization that works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, media and leadership training, and the creation of original content. Steinem currently serves on the board of the organization. She continues to involve herself in politics and media affairs as a commentator, writer, lecturer, and organizer, campaigning for candidates and reforms and publishing books and articles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this essay. I need to read more of Steinem's work.
January 17, 2022
Advice on Becoming a Published Writer
In this short memoir by Gloria Steinem, she relates how she became a writer.
Although I never thought it out rationally (if I were in the habit of thinking things out rationally, I probably wouldn’t have become a writer in the first place), it was partly the independence and elimination of middlemen that made writing seem attractive. Certainly, I was admirably suited to a freelance kind of life. Or, to put it another way, I wasn’t suited to anything else. All of which is only to explain how I came by a piece of equipment that most writers have to acquire one way or another: an unusual tolerance, even a preference, for instability. Not that they don’t suffer from being unsure of next year’s plans or this month's rent. Most writers have a kind of secret, pie-in-the-sky attitude that means they might actually be bored by knowing what is likely to happen next year and the year after that. - Gloria Steinem
Steinem goes on to tell the reader that when she wrote, she had a habit of describing everything she did, no matter how absorbing or how trivial, as if she were standing outside herself and watching.
It’s not actually so difficult to get published for the first time, it's just that everybody frightens the writer off by expressing how difficult it is. Just plunge in and improvise filing systems and dictate letters to secretaries as if you knew what you were doing, no one points at you and laughs. Once you are published, everything is easier: editors will see you, other writers treat you like a fellow professional (which is a little frightening since you never feel like one), and you are guaranteed payment for articles before you begin.
The following are some key points the.author points out:
First think what you’d like to write and then who might publish it, not the other way around.
Don’t make a story go stale by telling it to all your friends before you write it.
Work isn’t everything, but nothing else goes right without i
Be influenced by good writers, but don't imitate them. The only accepted way to get published is your way.
“To write simply is as difficult as to be good.” Somerset Maugham.
In this short memoir by Gloria Steinem, she relates how she became a writer.
Although I never thought it out rationally (if I were in the habit of thinking things out rationally, I probably wouldn’t have become a writer in the first place), it was partly the independence and elimination of middlemen that made writing seem attractive. Certainly, I was admirably suited to a freelance kind of life. Or, to put it another way, I wasn’t suited to anything else. All of which is only to explain how I came by a piece of equipment that most writers have to acquire one way or another: an unusual tolerance, even a preference, for instability. Not that they don’t suffer from being unsure of next year’s plans or this month's rent. Most writers have a kind of secret, pie-in-the-sky attitude that means they might actually be bored by knowing what is likely to happen next year and the year after that. - Gloria Steinem
Steinem goes on to tell the reader that when she wrote, she had a habit of describing everything she did, no matter how absorbing or how trivial, as if she were standing outside herself and watching.
It’s not actually so difficult to get published for the first time, it's just that everybody frightens the writer off by expressing how difficult it is. Just plunge in and improvise filing systems and dictate letters to secretaries as if you knew what you were doing, no one points at you and laughs. Once you are published, everything is easier: editors will see you, other writers treat you like a fellow professional (which is a little frightening since you never feel like one), and you are guaranteed payment for articles before you begin.
The following are some key points the.author points out:
First think what you’d like to write and then who might publish it, not the other way around.
Don’t make a story go stale by telling it to all your friends before you write it.
Work isn’t everything, but nothing else goes right without i
Be influenced by good writers, but don't imitate them. The only accepted way to get published is your way.
“To write simply is as difficult as to be good.” Somerset Maugham.
November 13, 2017
A very interesting and beautifully written article, as you would obviously expect from Steinem. Very entertaining and inspiring. I would love to read a reflection on this piece, looking back with the luxury of hindsight. Very enjoyable, the only downside is that I wanted it to be longer, it was over far too quickly!!
November 8, 2021
I guess she sums up standard advice I heard from almost all writers, which is: write what you want to write about (not what you should), keep on writing, have fun writing (and don't live the idea you want to be a writer), start small by reaching out to publishers, sending articles. Think like a writer and write a lot :) There is no magic behind it, just writing and writing more :)
June 20, 2018
Good advice
Good advice in the 60s good advice today. Must read more Gloria Steinham. Must write more about what I'm passionate about
Good advice in the 60s good advice today. Must read more Gloria Steinham. Must write more about what I'm passionate about
September 25, 2025
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just a short essay/memoir about how Gloria Steinem became a writer.
I had read her “My Life on the Road” memoir, so found lots of information repeating itself.
Just a short essay/memoir about how Gloria Steinem became a writer.
I had read her “My Life on the Road” memoir, so found lots of information repeating itself.
April 15, 2023
I guess I am going to simp on second wave feminists now.
November 26, 2024
Short, to the point and relatively funny.
I was expecting something more formal or even propagandist considering she was a CIA op. But I was pleasantly surprised that she was funny, relatively informal, humble, and actually gave good advice- atleast that’s the impression.
She’s certainly more open than me about her insecurities and such which ironically make her seem more confident which I wasn’t expecting. I guest I read too much Dotty. Either ways it’s worth a read, I’ll be recommending it to my kids and likely also rereading it myself. Cheers!
I was expecting something more formal or even propagandist considering she was a CIA op. But I was pleasantly surprised that she was funny, relatively informal, humble, and actually gave good advice- atleast that’s the impression.
She’s certainly more open than me about her insecurities and such which ironically make her seem more confident which I wasn’t expecting. I guest I read too much Dotty. Either ways it’s worth a read, I’ll be recommending it to my kids and likely also rereading it myself. Cheers!
October 13, 2020
Concise...or maybe less is more?
The author tosses lightly of her "published" achievements as if they are some simple, fly by night, no big deals! Well, I do have a degree in English; however, I have only dreamt of writing 1 of the articles, of that caliber. Please don't be so stingy with the "how" and enlighten your reader to your process. Maybe more than a few tips would be grestly appreciated.
The author tosses lightly of her "published" achievements as if they are some simple, fly by night, no big deals! Well, I do have a degree in English; however, I have only dreamt of writing 1 of the articles, of that caliber. Please don't be so stingy with the "how" and enlighten your reader to your process. Maybe more than a few tips would be grestly appreciated.
January 11, 2018
Brief
This is a short essay Steinem wrote about- you guessed it- how she became a writer. It's to the point, and simple enough to feel like an old pal telling you a story, but I do wish there was more.
This particular copy had some spelling errors, as well, which is really only annoying because it was such a short piece to type up for kindle.
This is a short essay Steinem wrote about- you guessed it- how she became a writer. It's to the point, and simple enough to feel like an old pal telling you a story, but I do wish there was more.
This particular copy had some spelling errors, as well, which is really only annoying because it was such a short piece to type up for kindle.
November 13, 2020
Short and to the point
Very short article really about how Gloria Steinem became a writer and the path she took to get there. I did find it interesting especially her unconventional upbringing.
Very short article really about how Gloria Steinem became a writer and the path she took to get there. I did find it interesting especially her unconventional upbringing.
September 9, 2022
short article which i experienced as an audiobook. it wasn’t as impressive as the previous articles by this author but I still feel like I learnt about journalism and how to get into it. i don’t think i would recommend this unless someone has a particular interest in entering journalism.
June 3, 2025
I have read several books by Steinem but never realized how she started writing. I recommend this book for people that want to go into writing or those that have an interest in the author.
How did this book find me? I found this on the Audible Plus catalog.
How did this book find me? I found this on the Audible Plus catalog.
March 18, 2017
A quick essay, originally published as a Glamour article in the 60's. Breezy, easy and I learned a new tidbit or two.
June 5, 2017
A short essay that takes all of 20 minutes to read. Breezy and easy, and a bit underwhelming.
July 30, 2017
It's OK
I don't know what I expected. It was like reading a magazine article. I thought there would be more substance.
I don't know what I expected. It was like reading a magazine article. I thought there would be more substance.
October 13, 2017
Worth the read
This book is short, sweet, and to the point. One of the better singles I have read. And, as far as author origin stories, it makes a lot of sense to me.
This book is short, sweet, and to the point. One of the better singles I have read. And, as far as author origin stories, it makes a lot of sense to me.
October 31, 2017
Amazon Kindle Single reprint of a short 1965 Steinem magazine piece.
December 20, 2018
ممتع جدا، انا بكره عادة الكتاب لما يتكلموا عن الكتابة، بيتحولوا لحاجة جد جدا ودمها ثقيل لكن اجمل ما في الكتاب هو ان دمها خفيف جدا، والايقاع سريع وذكى
August 19, 2019
Writing advice and antidotes from the writer that made me want to become a journalist. What more could a girl want? Steinem is a legend and this article proves just that.
May 7, 2020
Es interesante, no es la típica historia. Siempre me interesa porque la gente hace lo que hace, entonces lo disfrute. Además es breve y fácil de leer.
July 17, 2020
Inspiring
A super short read but packed full of details about her life. A definite must have for aspiring writers. 10/10
A super short read but packed full of details about her life. A definite must have for aspiring writers. 10/10
February 5, 2021
Fast listen on Audible but I liked Steinem's frank advice and personal story.
Read
April 2, 2021A quick and easy read, valuable for writers
It's encouraging. I admire her as a feminist icon and her decades of work and look forward to reading more from her
It's encouraging. I admire her as a feminist icon and her decades of work and look forward to reading more from her
December 30, 2021
Included in Audible membership. Only 18 minutes. Interesting, I guess, but just very short.
January 9, 2023
Short and sweet.
January 16, 2023
I love Gloria’s perspective and personal reflections.
August 3, 2023
autobiographical article, written mainly in a neutral way
September 9, 2023
Really enjoyed this, I’d like to read more of her work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews