Myth # 8
Anyone Can Be a Writer
This is a tough one. I absolutely believe that anyone can write a book. I also believe that having written a book you are a writer. However, when most people dream of being a writer, they don’t usually imagine themselves with a completed manuscript sitting in a box, in a drawer, behind lock and key… Most people imagine being a writer with a hard bound book that rapidly makes its way from the shelf in a bookstore, to the hands of an eager reader, up to the sales counter, where cha ching, money will change hands, and you will be paid for your writing.
So while anyone can write a book, it takes a lot of hard work to make it to the bookstore shelf. That’s where a lot of people fall short when it comes to their writing. They happily write the book, what fun afterall to bring your imagination to life. But they don’t want to make the effort to do the real work that comes after the book is written. That’s what separates writers who get paid to write, and those whose books moulder away in the drawer. My goal is to be published by a reputable publisher. I’ll keep trying whatever I need to try to make that possible.
What do you think separates people who have written a book and given up on getting published, and those who have been published or are working toward being published?
I don't think anyone can be a writer, but I don't think you have to be published to call yourself a writer. It's tough though, because so many people call themselves writers who really AREN'T. It's usually easy to spot them because of the way they talk about it. Fake writers tend to want to talk about the fact that they write and want to show everyone and their mother at the bar this book of poetry they stapled together, while I've found that real writers are a little more guarded and work way harder at their craft.
ReplyDeleteI think finishing the book is what's most difficult for the average person... If they actually finish a book, they're further along than most other aspiring writers. But yes, there's still drastically more to do after that--namely writing more books, because the first one likely isn't publishable.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI second what HH said. I've met a lot of people who have finished their book in their head, LOL! They talk about it as it were finished. These people don't want to do the legwork. Most writers think they can dump everything on a publisher or agent. A true writer gets involved in his/her project from beginning to end.
Anyone can be a writer. If you like to write, you're a writer BUT that doesn't mean everyone who writes should be published.
ReplyDeletePeople who really want it will keep writing and keep trying.
I'm not going to answer, because I have a splitting headache right now (there was an exam today), but I just wanted to say that I like your answer. And...I was going to say something else, but I forgot >.<
ReplyDeleteI believe anyone can be a writer, and that anyone can get published by a traditional house with enough hard work. There are those who have that natural talent, who sell their first novel, who make it big with minimal effort. But writing can be learned. And if someone has the passion to learn it, wants it bad enough, I truly believe anyone can get published.
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring story is that of Michael Jordan. Many people don't realize that he actually didn't make the high school basketball team. Can you imagine if he quit, pursued bowling instead? But he didn't. He practiced and practiced and practiced. Learned the craft. Perfected the craft. Made the craft his own. And he wanted it bad enough. Watching him on the court was like magic.
The same thing is possible with writers--all writers. Having natural talent is great. But hard work pays off too.
I'm with you completely! Anyone can be a writer, everyone has a story that they dream of writing but never do. That's what seperatees us writers from those who just call themselves one!
ReplyDeleteThe hardest part I heard was writing the story out... luckily I've written two, now I just need to work on revisions :)
Great comments everyone. I can't wait to see all of our books in print.
ReplyDeleteWith enough drive and faith in ones ability to learn what it takes, yes--anyone can be a writer.
ReplyDeleteThat's a hard question, and I'm afraid I can only think of one answer: drive. How bad do you want it?
ReplyDeleteAh, and I need your email address, Melissa! So I can get these contest prizes handed out! Send me an email at justine_dell(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thanks!
~JD
Anyone can be a writer, but not everyone is cut out for the world of business, because that's what being published means.
ReplyDeleteI think it's that determination you mention. Never giving up, and always learning to improve your writing skills.
ReplyDeleteI think anyone can be a writer, as long as you have a good story to tell and you want it bad enough. That said, I do believe that everyone has a story to tell, they just have to be willing to share it :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrea.. you never stop learning, and as long as you remain open to constructive feedback, and remember that there is ALWAYS room to improve, you'll get there.
Yeah, that about sums it up--the time and perseverance it takes!
ReplyDelete