A Blacksmith’s Guide for Aspiring Wordsmiths

by | Writing

As an aspiring wordsmith, the “wikiHow advice for becoming a blacksmith” is a great outline:

  1. Read books about the profession and art of blacksmithing.
  2. Take classes.
  3. Take more advanced metalwork classes.
  4. Start building your own blacksmithing setup
  5. Join ABANA (Artists Blacksmiths Association of North America).
  6. Join an apprenticeship program where you will be able to hone the necessary skills to become a blacksmith.
  7. Further advance your skill by joining a journeyman program.
  8. Find work in any metalworking trade.
  9. Establish your own blacksmith shop.
  10. Find a job as a commercial blacksmith.

With the appropriate substitution of writing-craft words for the blacksmith-craft words (examples: take writing classes rather than metalwork classes or Join PNWA—the Pacific Northwest Writers Association—rather than the ABANA), it’s not a bad outline.