The Birth of a Writer

Not all writers are born with a silver pen in their mouth ... or their hand. Not all of them started journaling at the age of five. Or ten. Or even twenty. Some of us had a creative urge driven by life experience hit us later in life ... after the crush of career and financial responsibility had lifted.

I had a story in my mind and just started writing. It took me many, many months to complete a rough draft. Whew! I was so proud of myself. I was done. Or so I thought.

I picked up a few books on the craft of writing. Shock upon shock ... my manuscript was garbage. I suffered, as many novice writers do, from a lack of understanding of industry norms and best practices. My work showed all the signs of hack writing.

So, what did I do? I could've tossed it into the circular file and given up. Instead, I read a bunch of craft books and took note of the tips they provided. I started a major rewrite. When I thought my manuscript was at least presentable, I joined a critique group consisting of fellow writers. They were all more advanced than I was, so I learned a lot. The consistency of a regular meeting time forced me to work diligently every day. No procrastination allowed.

Six years after I penned my first draft, The Christmas Puppy was polished enough to publish.

Is it the "Great American Novel?" Probably not. But I finished it. I can hold my hands as a symbol of accomplishment.

Maybe you want to share your own personal experiences. Start by jotting down memories. Expand each one so that it feels alive. Show what you wrote to interested friends or family.

This is how it can start. So, if you haven't written, or if you have but have never shown your scribblings to anyone, how do you break out and become "a writer?"

The key to writing is to create a story. Story drives all writing. This is why people discussing a piece of literature, a movie, or a book, always ask "What is it about?"

How do you create something worth reading? How do you truly become "a writer?"

Some authorities suggest that first you read. I would add "watch" and "listen."

Human behavior is learned. You learn how people act through observation.

Focus on a small plot at the outset. What happens? Does it make sense? Is it interesting? Is it understandable and relatable?

If you read aloud what you wrote, you may hear what others do. It may be a hot mess. Why?

Technique. Style. Basics rules of language. These, and many other things contribute to the creation of a good writer. So, you must learn. Study. Write and rewrite and rewrite some more. It is hard. Most who set out on this path will stumble and quit.

I recently attended a writers' conference at Arizona State University. One of the presenters told the group, "97% of you folks in this audience who say you are writing a book, will not finish. You will give up. Quit." Discouraging, yes. But truthful.

Another presenter had the answer that had gotten him through. He is a published author and now a university professor teaching the subject. What did he say it takes? "Persistence.'

Hone your skills. Improve. Put your work out there. Accept the criticisms and use them to get better. Keep at it.