To Be A Writer

A couple of weeks ago, I asked a question in both of my English 1101 classes: how many of you you have written a novel? The answer: Zero. That's not surprising, considering all of you are still pretty young and writing a novel takes time and, as one student pointed out, it also requires life experience. True enough. But I will add that whatever age you are, you are, in many respects, the sum of your experiences. In other words, you do have a story to tell, even if it is the story of being eighteen or nineteen. Some people have already lived a lifetime by that age, while others feel they haven't even begun. Wherever you fit, I still think you have something to say (if you want to) because your experiences are your own, your thoughts are your own, and they are valuable if you choose to give them voice.

In one of my classes, I followed up that first question with another one: How many of you WANT to write a novel someday? Nearly half the class put up their hands. I found that intriguing because I know full well that most people who want to write a novel never actually do it. I know lots of people who have and many who have published (whether novels, short stories, or poetry), but I know far more people who aspired to write one but always think it is something they will do "someday" or in their spare time. Some even think it's an impossible dream.

I guess writing can be a hobby, if that's what you want out of it. Nothing wrong with that as long as you're being true to yourself. Personally, I believe that writers write. If you're writing, you're a writer. If you're not writing, then you're being something else. I think a lot of writers (myself included, several years ago) hesitate to call themselves writers because they think other people might think they're being pretentious, aspiring to be special or unique or intellectual or whatever. I talked to a student the other day who said she was a musician. And she was, too, because she played an instrument very well and therefore had earned the right. No one could tell her she wasn't one.

But writers are largely insecure by nature. Sometimes they think that "Writing" is so sacred and special that maybe they really are being pretentious be even claiming to be doing it or, certainly be claiming to be a writer.

The very first thing you will need to rid yourself of if you are going to be a good writer is the need to please other people, or that sense of caring what other people think about what you do. You can't always be censoring yourself because your mother won't like what you write or your best friend might decide that you're a spy and no longer trustworthy. If you want to be a writer, just write. But you have to be honest about why you're doing it and you have to be honest WHILE you're doing it. If you're doing it because you want to be artistic, then maybe there are other things you can that are less harmful to yourself. If you're doing it because you have something to say or you're gonna burst, then maybe you're in the right ballpark.

The question is: can you write well enough to be a writer?

For that, alas, you will mostly have to rely on your own opinion. I think it's valuable to ask other people what they want, and if you can find a mentor who has the time and ability to offer you their opinion, that is certainly helpful. But what happens if your chosen mentor tells you to give it up and go back to school or open your own drive-in? That's when you have to do a gut check and ask yourself if you really want this badly enough that you are willing to LEARN how to be a good writer.

That's right: I said learn to be a good writer. They aren't born, you know. Not often, anyway. They learn their craft. I think you can be born with an ear for dialogue, an eye for detail, and a talent for grammar and all the rest of it. Storytellers can be born too. But you can always hone your craft no matter who you are.

You have to be willing to revise, revise, and revise your work until it is sparkling. Then you have to revise again.

If someone tells you you're not good enough, well, then that's a test of how badly you wanted to be a writer to begin with. If you just say "Okay, I won't write another word," then you're not cut out for it anyway. But if you promise yourself that you will do everything it takes to get it right, to learn the tools and tricks of the writing trade, then maybe you have shot at it.

There's so much more to say on this. For me, it's an endless topic. If there's a specific question on your mind about writing, leave a "comment" for me. That way I'll know what to talk about here.

Meanwhile, I'll be back and forth between this and talking about course-related stuff over the next few days. Your comments and questions are always appreciated.

GC