Am I really a writer?

TrishaAnn92 · Post by **TrishaAnn92** » 28 Jan 2014, 10:51

Anybody can be a writer. I just started working on two stories. Both came from dreams that I had.

If you have an interesting dream write it down before you forget it and see where it takes you.

SammyLou37 · Post by **SammyLou37** » 10 Feb 2014, 10:36

I think you may have answered this for yourself. You have a PASSION to write - so write. If you haven't got an idea for a novel yet, start with a short story. There are infinite ideas for those, everyday you will be given snippets of inspiration in all that you do - if you look for it! Perhaps when you start the process of getting some words down on paper, or your screen, then you will think of yourself as a writer. I don't think you have to be published to call yourself a writer, as long as you write and write regularly and with passion. The rest will follow. Good luck!

wnmu · Post by **wnmu** » 15 Feb 2014, 00:41

I will not claim to be an expert on writing, but I have almost finished a masters degree in English and writing. One observation that I can make about what you stated is that it appears that you have mainly considered being a fiction writer. Maybe that is not your ideal vehicle to start writing. You could try something like memoirs or creative non-fiction writing and see if you have an easier time getting started utilizing some of your personal experiences as the seed to start writing.

Jasper · Post by **Jasper** » 16 Feb 2014, 18:21

Rome wasn't built in a day, and there are a lot of writers who've gone through writers block and came out on top. I do consider you a writer, because you're passionate about it and because it's not something that you're seeing as a chore.

Writers block is just a phase, and there are a lot of well-known writers who've taken years to write a novel, which went on to be best-selling masterpieces. Some writers get inspiration at random times, and can't sit down and write when they want to. They can't force an idea to pop into their head just because they sit in front of pen and paper (or for me, a laptop).

I think anyone who is willing to write and has a passion for it is considered a writer. However good or badly written their story is. I think you'll come up with something. You just have to give yourself time. Don't get frustrated and try to force your mind to come up with something. You might try carrying around a small notebook and pen with you in case you're out and about and an idea does come to mind, or just type a note in your phone. That works too.

Fallen Apostate · Post by **Fallen Apostate** » 17 Feb 2014, 15:23

You should try out writing flash fiction and then improving on that. I barely started last year as a full time writer. It's not as easy as you think when you find yourself churning 8k words a day then all of a sudden stop for a week or two. One of the things that helped me with worldbuilding was using mindmapping and outlining the story. As for the rest, I just winged it.

Cassandra Keeney · Post by **Cassandra Keeney** » 17 Feb 2014, 21:46

Being a writer is about your passion. If you have a passion to write, then you are a writer, as long as you write what is in your mind. Having trouble coming up with an idea happens, but the best way to deal with that is to just write. Write about how you can't think of anything to write. Eventually, the ideas will just start to flow.

arapier · Post by **arapier** » 18 Feb 2014, 17:52

Not having ideas doesn't not make you a writer. Not writing does. People who like to write and do it because they feel a need or desire to often feel the need to distance themselves from the hipster/edgy/i'm-a-writer-and-i-wear-horn-rimmed-glasses-and-use-a-typewriter crowd.
Do you like to write? (It doesn't matter if you're good, that will come with practice.)
Do you like to create things with words, be it people, situations, or entire worlds?
Do you ever read a book and get caught up in the actual writing? (Like the words and the way their used?)
Lastly, do you write?
If yes, you're a writer.

-- 18 Feb 2014, 17:54 --

Also, if you're looking for practice and you're beginning in creative writing, fanfictions are great way to isolate specific areas to work on.