how do you know if you're a writer? - Writers Forum

Bookworm · 01-30-2004, 03:10 PM

Some people say that "if you write, then you're a writer." Well that's nice and positive and on a lot of days, that just cheers me right up but some days you just got to really think. Everyone can write, in fact in school you're required to write essays and term papers. But just because you do that doesn't mean that you're a writer. I mean I dunno.

I'm on my college newspaper as a staff writer, I was very surprised that I actually got in. Right now I'm going through a rut or tough time, I can do news stories but the direction that I want to go in is creative writing. Like writing novels, I would like to be a successful writer but am not really sure if I've got what it takes. Not sure if I will like even writing a whole novel.

I'd like to be a successful writer, I don't want for my work to go out of print (as that often happens with published books). Sometimes I feel like trying to be a writer is like trying to be an established actor. So how do you know if you're a writer? How do you become one of the few successful ones? What set up Austen and Dickens apart from the writers in their generations?

Nazareth · 01-30-2004, 03:17 PM

This site will answer some questions for you- spend some time here- look at the differebt articles- it's a bit discouraging but not overcome-able- Honestly evaluating yourself after reading about the profession of writing and the requirements may help to solidify your decision now rather than continuing on not really knowing what is involved.

http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/Worksho...ng-talent.html

Bookworm · 01-30-2004, 03:37 PM

Thanks! I like that article. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ceridwen · 02-27-2004, 06:53 AM

I guess being "A Writer" is having to do with producing a lot of ideas and having that strong urge to write it down, just for the pleasure of it. That pleasure of knowing that you somehow wrote a special thing and you want someone to read it, understand it and perhaps...appreciate it.

I hope I didn't bore you.

Pawn · 02-27-2004, 07:16 AM

I agree. You are a writer if you don't just want to write, but need to. It's all about passion, and a natural feel for language. If you've got that, and a couple of ideas, then you're cookin.

klaus · 02-27-2004, 08:30 AM

I agree.
Every "writer" writes for different purposes. As you said, some write for school assignments, some school publications, and some self-therapy.
So why do you write? From what I gathered, you prefer creative writing and do not really care if your works are published. And that is in my opinion a spirit of a true writer.

shaggy · 05-06-2004, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bookworm

I'd like to be a successful writer, I don't want for my work to go out of print (as that often happens with published books). Sometimes I feel like trying to be a writer is like trying to be an established actor. So how do you know if you're a writer? How do you become one of the few successful ones? What set up Austen and Dickens apart from the writers in their generations?

I don't aspire to be a famous writer, so my answers will probably be pointless to you. *nervous smile* But, here goes: I know I am a writer because writing is all I know how to do and do well. I've had experience as a journalist and columnist and I have my bylines and my file of published magazine and newspaper articles and features to "prove" to myself that I was a writer once. I was, after all, paid to write. (I've retired. *more nervous smiles*) I now write fiction, and purely to please myself. Do I still consider myself a writer? Heck, yes. The day I stop writing, or thinking about my next story, is the day I die.

"Success" is but a ruler. Something by which to measure your perceived worth against someone else's. I've never wanted to be "successful". Only as good as I can be. I wanted, simply, to write. As often as I can. At one point in my life, I was paid to write. Now, even though I am not paid for my creative writing, I have readers who tell me they enjoy my stories. I find the word inappropriate to describe how I really feel but, yes, I do think I have been a "successful" writer. (Or maybe I'm simply someone who is very easily pleased.

)

americanwriter · 05-08-2004, 11:24 PM

Where does your passion lie?

Would you rather write than eat? You're probably a writer.

When you're writing, do you lose yourself to the process and/or the story? Then you're probably a writer.

Do you write to convey some new thought, some idea, to express your passion and creativity, or to challenge existing ideas in an effort to foster thought in others? Then you're probably a writer.

If you're just writing for the notoriety or money, then you've bought into the fantasy and not the reality of what a "writer" is, and you're better off sticking with writing in your diary. Writing is a passion, it's lifeblood coursing through your veins, it drives you to push yourself to your creative limits and beyond even when sound judgment dictates otherwise.

Dragonscales · 05-25-2004, 03:19 PM

I believe you're either born a writer, or you try your whole life to be one if you just think of writing as a casual fling. A passion for language and appreciation for words being an artform, as well as feeling you can create something that will eternally be a part of you is some of the definitive characteristics of a writer. It is being blessed (or cursed) with a thirst to reproduce your mind on paper to be forever etched for others to read, or for your own satisfaction. No matter how much you try you cannot shy away from it, it is a beast that cannot be tamed. Only you yourself can ever truely know if you are or are not a writer, you'll feel it inside the core of your very soul. It will wake you up at 3 in the morning, screaming for you to write that idea or sentence you've been pondering about for the last three weeks. It will consume every last inch of your very being, craving for the satisfaction it demands, yet never quite being satisfied. It is the everlasting itch that is impossible to scratch. The inner voice you cannot ignore. It is something that , if you possess, will never ever truly leave you. You will forever be bound to it and come to know it in every intimate way. Writing is a sickness for which there is no cure.

bobgelinas · 06-10-2004, 06:53 PM

You asked two questions, not one. There's a big difference between one who has mastered the art of writing, and one who aspires to be a professional author. They are not synonamous, although in a perfect world, all the latter would be the former.

Oddly, it only seems to be in the field of writing where such a puzzling quandry exists in many people's minds, of whether they are a "real writer" or not. Most people who have a lovely signing voice know whether they can sing or not (it's a shame those without one didn't get the memo). Most musicians know very well whether they have mastered their chosen instrument proficiently. Most dancers in the ballet know whether they perform with excellence and can execute moves without flaw. Yet seemingly only in writing do I observe so many people, who solely by virtue of their love of reading, mysteriously believe that this somehow magically imputes to them the TALENT of storytelling. That's like believing that because you listen to the radio, you can play the piano.

Like ALL forms of the fine arts, successful writing is a manifestation of TALENT, and may or may not have anything to do with being paid to do it. On the other hand, becoming a PROFESSIONAL AUTHOR and enjoying any degree of professional success is simply the application of that talent.

"Loving to write" is no different from all the people you know who love to sing, and yet sound like a cat being strangled. Merely participating in the craft, with no application of true talent, is no different from the child who bangs on the keyboard of a piano. Claiming otherwise is an offensive affront to all the wonderful storytellers throughout the ages who have recognized their TALENT and graciously chosen to share it.

Jane Jones · 06-11-2004, 08:45 AM

I once heard a quote from an english professor who was also a writer. Upon being asked by a student, "Am I a writer?" he said no. The surprised student asked why and he said, "If you were a writer you would write and write and write. Noone could stop you. You wouldn't care what people think. You wouldn't care if your English professor did or didn't think you were a writer. If you have to ask, then you're not."

I find that to be the case in most instances.

SkyTigress · 06-24-2004, 02:38 AM

~grin~ I think my Writing Center boss is much more lenient - if you say you are a writer, then you are a writer.

eleutheromaniac · 06-24-2004, 04:22 AM

I think Bob Gelinas point is dead on: to be a successful writer, or artist of any kind, you just need to know how to market your work. A lot of talented artist consider it "selling out" or being a schill when you market your work. But what's the use of a voice when no one can hear it?

bobgelinas · 06-24-2004, 08:56 AM

For all,

Relative to this topic, please see a new article I posted in the Author's Corner of our website (www.archebooks.com) entitled, "The Literary Entertainer." It speaks to this topic directly in depth.

Best,

TempterOfFate · 06-24-2004, 12:08 PM

Being a writer depends upon your state of mind.

I think to say, because I write, I am a writer is true. If you believe yourself to be a writer and you write because you enjoy it or it is your passion, then you are a writer. If you are fortunate enough to earn a few sheckles from it while you're at it, then you are a lucky writer.

My father and I were recently talking about writing and he said a few things to me that made a great deal of sense I would like to share with you:

1) The greatest thing about writing is that you can do it any time. You don't have to wait until someone pays you to do it.

2) There are two things to do about art or writing. Do it and sell it.

3) Keep writing. The more you do it the better you'll get. Sometimes, just getting the idea on paper is enough. Worry about the paycheck later.

If you write does that make you a writer? If you think it does and it helps to keep you churning out great [or not-so-great] ideas, then it does.