April 26, 2010

More than one person emailed the question: “How can I know I’m a real writer?” or “How can you know if you’re ‘called’ to be a writer?”

Since I have seven bookcases of writing books, it wasn’t hard to find a lot of opinions from published writers. Most of them gave lists of character qualities you needed to be named a “real writer.” Among the traits listed (desire, discipline, patience, willingness to learn, etc.) was something I hadn’t thought of. But this one trait could be a deciding factor.

What Is It?

It’s called having a “long-term view.” Don’t think: “Do I have a book inside me?” Think instead: “Do I have a writer inside me?” Sometimes it’s hard to tell! We certainly can’t rely on our feelings to tell us, since they fluctuate so much from day to day.

What would a “writer inside” look like? I don’t know for sure. Some agree with the writer George Bernau: “I decided that I would continue to write as long as I lived, even if I never sold one thing, because that was what I wanted out of my life.”

I can agree with that, I think. Even if I never sold another thing, I believe I would continue to write: newsletters, journals, some stories, some articles, things for my family. I might not keep trying to write “for the markets,” but I don’t think I could stop writing in some form or another, even if I tried.

Stick-To-It-Iveness

Others would agree with Harlan Ellison that the “long-term view” is more a mind-set, something you can choose instead of something that has chosen you. He said, after reading a book he didn’t like, that “If someone who writes that badly can become a writer, then even the dippiest of us can become a writer, baboons can become writers, sludge and amoeba can become writers. The trick is not in becoming a writer, it is in staying a writer. Day after week after month after year. Staying in there for the long haul.”

So the answer to the question of “Am I a REAL Writer?” seems to be that you are–if you don’t quit. You are if you stay in the writing game for the long haul.

What a Real Writer Isn’t

When I was searching for the answer to that question, I looked in several books. None of the well known authors said REAL writers sell books or REAL writers win awards or REAL writers make a lot of money or REAL writers have agents.

No. The consensus of opinion was this: Writers write–and keep on writing. You’ll know you’re a REAL writer if that’s what you do.

8 Comments »

1. 

   Thanks, Kristi. Your simple explanation is encouraging. I often find that people think a writer must have published a book. They have no idea what work and perseverance even writing an article for publication takes. I am learning that what it boils down to for me is: Do I “believe” I am a writer? Then whether I write for my own well-being or for others, for pay or no pay, I am a writer!

   Thanks again,
   Trudy

   Comment by Trudy — April 26, 2010 @ 1:38 pm

2. 

   This is great! I feel my skill level is inadequate sometimes. But yes, I can keep on writing!

   Comment by Kathie Langston — April 26, 2010 @ 4:52 pm

3. 

   Thank you for that encouraging and insightful blog! I just got my course material from ICL for the advanced coure, and this blog is adding another log to my fire of enthusiasm.

   Comment by Andrea — April 26, 2010 @ 6:39 pm

4. 

   Amen! Writers write. I thought of myself as a writer from that first class I took with Peggy King Anderson. I give her credit because she made us feel like writers from the beginning. And I felt like one, with those tentative first sentences to when I couldn’t write fast enough.

   Comment by Vijaya — April 26, 2010 @ 11:40 pm

5. 

   Thank you, Kristi! This post is a breath of fresh air and is very validating. This is something I’ve struggled with over the last few years, but I am going to keep on writing!

   Thanks for sharing.

   Karin Larson
   http://www.karin-larson.blogspot.com

   Comment by Karin Larson — April 27, 2010 @ 1:36 pm

6. 

   Thanks for adding the “isn’t” paragraph! I am not many things, but I am a writer.

   Comment by Jane Healy — April 27, 2010 @ 2:12 pm

7. 

   Thanks, everyone, for your comments! I’ve had to revisit this issue a few times myself, given the economy lately. And truthfully, NOTHING makes me feel like a “real writer” except the days I actually write. And THAT we can do!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — April 28, 2010 @ 5:08 am

8. 

   I enjoyed this post. I have been writing since I was a child, but always doubted my skills. I know I am writer because I have the burning desire to write everyday! It was nice to read this post and to realize it is a hot topic! Being a part of ICL for the past few months has helped me find the time to write daily! This is something I was missing in the past. I am so glad to be back to what I love and my “long-term view”….Thanks!

   Comment by Jodi — April 30, 2010 @ 2:29 pm

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