Are You a Writer?
Are you a writer or an aspiring writer? What makes one a writer? What’s in a name?
This isn’t a new topic. If you google the question, you will discover any number of discussions and opinions on the subject matter. Even the dictionary and wikipedia can’t agree on a definition, listing more than one, from one who writes a particular text to how one writes.
Some believe writing is a gift, a skill, and others believe one must complete an apprenticeship of sorts, proving competency before calling themselves a writer.
With the explosion of the internet, everyone has a website, or blog, so how would competency be measured? Is it by educational degrees? After your first book is published? What about articles and stories? How many must be published before giving you credibility? Does being the author of a blog count?
Or, must you make money, be employed in a job, writing?
I agree, writing is a god-given-gift and a learned skill. For those of us requiring or desiring to improve our craft, opportunities abound. Resources can be found online, within your local community, books, magazines, blogs, through classes and conferences, and should be utilized by all writer’s.
For me personally, I use a number of avenues. Critique groups where I seek honest and constructive feedback, classes, subscriptions to writing resources, books and magazines. Everyday, I learn something new. Writer’s come in all shapes and sizes, some with the ability to move us from word one, while others must work harder.
I am not an aspiring writer, although I aspire to do many things in this life. To be a better writer, and to have my first novel published are among a few of the things I aspire to do.
But, I am a writer. It’s how I see the world. I believe words are powerful. They delight, sadden, provoke, and soothe us. They move the world, and influence people, and when one has the courage to put pen to paper, because they want or must share their words with others, I call them by their name, Writer.
Shakespeare reminded us long ago the value of a name.
“What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would not smell as sweet.”
My name is Sheila, and I am a writer. What is your name?
Greetings Sheila, and welcome to Angie’s DIARY!
To start with your last question, albeit partly rhetorical, my name is Bart. I’m Angie’s co-founder and developer.
What you put into words so eloquently, is of course an issue that is on everyone’s mind, at least periodically. Everyone with a love for the written word, that is. You have to be passionate about whatever you do.
In this magazine we feature all the types of writers you describe in your article, and then some. That’s what makes this community so unique.
Looking forward to your next submission, I would like to end with the words of Bukowski on writing: “If it doesn’t come bursting out of you, in spite of everything, don’t do it!”
Best,
Bart
Hello Bart,
Thank you for your warm welcome, kind comments, and and the opportunity to share thoughts on my writing journey.
Sheila
Sheila – In an early workshop we discussed what it meant to be a writer. Our instructor said that while some people dream and talk of writing, we actually were writing. It didn’t matter if we were writing for commercial purposes, or for self expression, we simply sat down to express our thoughts in words.
My name is Pat and I am a writer of novels featuring women balancing dynamic careers with thir private lives.
Hi there Sheila – welcome.
My name is Jack. I am a sometime contributor or articles here on Angie’s wonderful DIARY, plus an author of four published books – three scifi, one fantasy.
I hate that word ‘author’, especially when people add it to their name as if it were their Christian name or family name – i.e. Joe Bloggs Author, or Author Joe Bloggs.
Writer is what I am first, last and always. Like Bart I have a quote for you from Richard Bach:
“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”
Like Bart I’m looking forward to your next post. 😀
Jack,
I love the quote! I may have to steal it from you. I should live so long to have as many books published, for now, I’ll keeping on keeping on. Thanks for the encouragement.
I am Andrew, like Jack an often-published writer here, and I heartily welcome you, Sheila. You will find the community of writers here impressive and mutually supportive. We look forward to more of your work.
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the welcome. A community of support is a place to I want to be.
I’m sure you’ll see more of me in the future.
Sheila
Hi I am Alan, like my friends I am a well published here. Angie is always willing to promote good writers, Shelia. We are all in the same boat, just wanting to be appreciated for our work. I have a few book on Amazon ranging from Sci-Fi to autobiographic but mainly stay in the paranormal zone 😉
Writing there allows my imagination the freedom it craves.
We hope to here from you again
Al
Alan,
Thanks for the warm welcome. With a “few books published,” you’re way ahead of me. From what I hear, promotion is the hardest part, hang in there.
Sheila
At the moment the answer is so easy-NO.
In my FREE weekend on KDP, I can’t even give the story away. 13 1/2 hours into a FREE session people tell me is good publicity and great for sales. I am not averaging even 5 an hour.
Back to doing the promoting-writing over 🙁
Great to have you here Everyone welcomes you and I enjoyed your article. Sincerely, Nancy
Thank you Nancy. Glad to participate!
Hi Sheila. My name is Joyce White. Your smgood reminds me of the phrase, um um, good. Enjoyed your article. I like the word author — myself. I have no other title I like better than grandma. I’m privileged to participate in this introduction by some of the best writers here. Joyce White
Joyce,
Thank you. I’m glad you liked the article and I agree, author and Grandma tops the list. And yes, I’m counting on my last name to rub off on my writing! 😉
Hi Sheila. My name is Clara and yes, I’m a writer! Thanks for the reminder:)
You’re welcome. A pleasure to meet you, Clara. I always enjoy meeting other writers.
I write, but am I a writer? I see so many stories in my head I want to put to paper…okay, computer, yet often as not they refuse to adapt to the printed word.
Until I can see on the screen what I see in my head I will still call myself a wanna be.
The learned skills you speak of elude me at every turn. Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar are words without meaning, frustrating beyond belief, yet try as I might nothing changes.
Still, the stories are there wanting out so I muddle along.
MF,
Sit yourself down and write, grammar be damned for now. Read my latest post on my blog and you will see it doesn’t grammar is a problem for many of us. If you have so many stories in your head, get them down. The grammar and punctuation can be corrected! Write, for the love of God!