Am I really a writer?

westgirl · Post by **westgirl** » 07 Jan 2012, 23:26

I have wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. While in college, I had to constantly write. I had to write essays, I had to write a dissertation, and I had to complete a year long case study. Although the program I took had nothing to do with writing, I had two professors comment that I had a great way with words and a very unique way of presenting informationin in all my writing assignments.
Growing up I wrote poetry, short stories and I loved to read.
Today, I still love to read and I also have a burning desire to write a book.
The reasons I question whether or not I am a writer are quite simple but confussing.
First, I didn't grow up creating descriptive characters and stories within which each moment of my time was spent writing about them. Or, more frustrating, I can't come up with any ideas for a novel. I would say I have writters block, but I haven't written any part of a novel to have a block.
So, is it possible for me to be a writer, when I can't come up with any ideas of what to write about, and all I have is a passion to write?

Kenn_Baker · Post by **Kenn_Baker** » 08 Jan 2012, 16:27

I would say, you cannot call yourself a writer until you have written any more than someone without a motorcycle could call themselves a "Biker". What you have is a passion, now you need to find your voice. I am an artist and recently wrote my first novel. I know writer's block and painter's block well. I also have some tricks to get past them.

Look at other people's work and see what inspires you.

Think about what drives you and what you are passionate about.

Look up details about something random. For me it was Hyenas. Spotted hyenas are fascinating and the more I learned about them the more I wanted to learn. Now, I've done countless art pieces on them.

When you actually start writing, don't stop and start reading what you have so far. Continue writing. When you are finished, then go back and read and correct as needed, but if you pick it apart as you go, you will never finish. Also on that note. If you hit a road block with a character's name, or a line of dialogue write something like: He says "something cool that foreshadows the later events" and move on. Stop for nothing.

I hope this helps.

Starchaser3000 · Post by **Starchaser3000** » 08 Jan 2012, 21:43

You WROTE up this thread didn't you?

Maud Fitch · Post by **Maud Fitch** » 08 Jan 2012, 23:51

Writer or author? What's in a name? Research the art of writing, it's a craft and a skill like anything else.
You really need to test yourself by joining a writers group and getting a peer to read your work.
If you can take constructive criticism face-to-face, you will keep writing.

C0ldf1re · Post by **C0ldf1re** » 15 Feb 2012, 17:58

Perhaps a "writer" would have come back to this thread, to write some more...

maleaco · Post by **maleaco** » 16 Feb 2012, 04:06

Just start doing it. Just do it. Sit down and just do it

David_Jerome · Post by **David_Jerome** » 16 Feb 2012, 10:22

To be honest, I think most writers know early on whether or not they have the talent to do it, just like with acting or being a comedian. Having a desire to do something, even a strong one, doesn't necessarily mean it's something you'd be good at.

For example, no matter how much someone wants to be a stand-up comic, if they aren't naturally funny, most likely, they won't succeed at being a stand-up comic. Sure, you can work hard at it, study other great comics, etc; but most of the time, it really comes down to whether or not you just have the talent to do so.

But to be clear, this can totally depend on what type of writing you mean. Some people may not be good at fiction writing, but may be excellent with essays or biogrophies. Maybe your particular writing style is good for journalism. This is something that may be the case with you: maybe you are good writer, but just haven't find your niche.

Robin jackson · Post by **Robin jackson** » 18 Feb 2012, 00:41

I think you have the skill of writing like you said you enjoys writing and love reading ,so the easy way to get to know that are you writer?daily write for 1 hour on any topic then take some rest read it and share this with your friends.

C0ldf1re · Post by **C0ldf1re** » 18 Feb 2012, 07:49

C0ldf1re wrote:Perhaps a "writer" would have come back to this thread, to write some more...

Like I'm doing

because writers cannot help writing!

mtoagtechnology · Post by **mtoagtechnology** » 06 Apr 2012, 02:32

Hi,

It looks so as if you are a writer.Thanks for such wonderful post.

C0ldf1re · Post by **C0ldf1re** » 06 Apr 2012, 02:36

mtoagtechnology wrote:... It looks so as if you are a writer.Thanks for such wonderful post.

Flattery will get you everywhere on this forum!

TERARMT · Post by **TERARMT** » 10 Apr 2012, 04:36

Continue the excellent writing !!

Seogoogler · Post by **Seogoogler** » 12 Apr 2012, 04:05

It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

katesolomon · Post by **katesolomon** » 13 Apr 2012, 03:43

Well calling one self a writer is a something really huge. A writer is a person who can capture the mind of his reader through his writings. A person who can make you laugh, cry and sing with him. This is not possible overnight in fact you have to analyse everything very minutely and thereby describe it very well.
I wish all the budding writers All the best.

KirkB · Post by **KirkB** » 16 Apr 2012, 16:45

There are many types of writers and just because you haven't written a published book, does not mean you aren't a writer. Maybe fiction isn't your thing - try finding other types of writing jobs until you find something you like.