10 tips for the aspiring motoring writer

“How does someone get a job like yours?”

I’ve been asked that quite a number of times, but replying decisively has continued to inevitably, invariably stymie me—especially when the tone is more accusatory than anything. How did I get to write about cars? I mean, we scribes do have jobs that are a car lover’s dream. We travel to exotic places, drive cars we can’t afford, interview personalities and celebrities, and variety of other perks. Most importantly, I believe, we get to tell you all about it.

The short version: read, write, and repeat. Here’s the long one:

Read up. Aspiring writers of any kind need to be voracious devourers of information, or they’ll just look stupid. Passion can run ships, but knowledge helps captains navigate the vast seas. Take the case of a noted columnist (not of this paper) who bitched and wondered aloud about murals on EDSA—obviously not having bothered to do some prior study. Rant, rave, research! Of course, you need to choose what to read. Get authoritative, well-written publications; visit websites of similar quality. See the pieces that interest you or, conversely, get your goat.

Practice. One of the most useful maxims that any writer should take to heart is to “use it or lose it.” Writing is a craft that is learned with love and patience, and unlearned by neglect and apathy. Of course, you don’t get instantly better by simply writing every day, but I guarantee you’ll lose your ability if you stop stringing words on paper or on your computer screen.

Network. Write your favorite newspaper and/or magazine editor. Regularly send short, intelligent, well-written feedback (be honest, don’t just patronize). If your piece sees print, then that’s a victory in itself. Not everyone’s missives get airtime. Attend motoring events that are open to the public such as car exhibitions and other shows, and write about them. Don’t crash an event meant for the press or car dealers just to introduce yourself to people in power. Big no-no.

Consider starting a blog. Here’s a new(ish) tack: Instead of competing with numerous others for print space, why not set up a blog and write about your passion for rides? Here’s the caveat, though: never write sloppily and carelessly. Just because it’s your personal blog doesn’t mean you can slack off. Keep the writing clean, crisp, and interesting. Better yet, open it up for feedback, and see if people warm to your creation. Weed out the comments section of negative, sarcastic diatribes and keep valuable insight close to heart. Understand how to better your writing. Finally, remember that it’s a blog, not a diary. Share something interesting and relevant that other people can relate to and benefit from.

Write to express, not to impress. In school, we were told not to use $100 words when $1 ones would do. There is no justification for verbal diarrhea.

Get an editor. I don’t mean writing our Manny de los Reyes for tips or getting him to proofread your material. Get a trusted friend or mentor to go through your stuff before you post on your blog, or send to aforementioned editor. A good practice I learned when I worked fulltime for the Star was to always have your piece given a onceover by a pair of eyes not your own. Of course, this tip also presupposes that you’ve read your draft already.

Look around for stories. The world is a treasure trove of material, begging to be researched and written. Look at it through a motoring writer’s eyes, and keep doing it. What interests you? What bothers you? How do you envision the future of the industry? Who would you like to interview? What do you think about a new traffic ordinance? Flesh it out in your blog, or submit an article (once again, short) to your friendly neighborhood editor.

Try and try. Persistence is the promoter of talent. Don’t get down on yourself if your article doesn’t get used—yet. Send more to other publications.

Stay humble. If you do get into the motoring circle of scribes, congratulations! Stay humble and hardworking—the tenets that got you here in the first place. You are in a unique position to be the eyes and ears of the public, and to indirectly or directly influence the sector. Don’t take your chance for granted, and don’t let it get to your head either.

Keep reading and writing. Quoting Stan “the Man” Lee: “‘Nuff said.”

So, how do you answer the question: “How does someone get a job like yours?” You say you never get it, because you just keep at it.