Comments on: Yes, You Are a Writer

By: Peter I

Peter I — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:47:58 +0000

There is almost certainly a writer in all of us. We all have the words -the life – the times and experiences. Perhaps what makes you a writer or not is the belief that its ok to put it on paper or screen rather than leave it roaming inside you , and perhaps the thought that its worth reading. Do we take the risk of it being over analysed by those more erudite than oursleves or do we go for it. Well in my case its one step at a time . I write it down then apologise for having written it. I know that I don’t need to , but it acts as a self defence mechanism . Well – just do it. I feel better for having written it and for having read others’ thoughts too. If you like what you have read I’m happy. If you don’t – well sorry – I was kidding -I’m not a writer !!

By: Ulla Hennig

Ulla Hennig — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:00:50 +0000

"This distinction of who can wear the *label* of WRITER and who is disqualified from having that OH SO PRESTIGIOUS title is, in my humble opinion, another example of this same type of thing." Nothing more to be said. Ulla Hennig’s last blog post..Candles and Emotions

By: Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations

Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:46:36 +0000

You know this is very timely for me. Alex at Someday Syndrome just did an interview of me on his blog and it brought up memories of a time in my life when I was waiting for *permission* and justification from others to do what I believed was important for me.
This distinction of who can wear the *label* of WRITER and who is disqualified from having that OH SO PRESTIGIOUS title is, in my humble opinion, another example of this same type of thing. By telling children and adults that they are not good enough, or that they do not do the “right kind” of writing, is to limit and squelch budding talent.

Anyone who has the desire and the perserverence and the willingness to learn and work on improving their trade can find their own unique voice. And it won’t sound like Sean’s voice or mine or anyone else who dares to claim title to the word. It will be their own unique sound.

Are there some writers that are held in higher esteem? Sure. That doesn’t mean the rest of us should give up. There is plenty of room for all the words that can ever be written.

And Vered…I LOVE your unique voice. I call you a writer.

By: Kyddryn

Kyddryn — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:40:04 +0000

If one has, is, or will have written, one may be a writer – but an author? I think that’s different.

I feel for anyone who has felt driven by the need to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and release their inner narrative – it’s frightening, lays one open to the scorn of others, makes one vulnerable to the – gasp – critic, and one’s work will always be received by folks who view it subjectively, not objectively – it’ all about personal taste, isn’t it?

A poorly written entry, or blog, isn’t as disappointing as a poorly written book, because it is more easily set aside, forgotten – and doesn’t require a chunk of one’s (rapidly shrinking) disposable income.

Frankly, that’s why blog-writing has such appeal to people like me – we can write to our heart’s content about whatever we like, and our readers come and go as they please, and it’s all so easy going, isn’t it? Much less risky to one’s ego.

Blogging has certainly given some authors their voice, providing a place to hone their craft to a keen edge before leaping into the publishing waters (where they’ll need that craft to fend off the sharks). Meanwhile, those of us unpublished on paper can have the satisfaction of knowing that people are returning to our words (one hopes) again and again – a vindication of sorts.

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

Kyddryn’s last blog post..I Smell A Rat

By: Emily@remodelingthislife

Emily@remodelingthislife — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:10:45 +0000

I'm enjoying this conversation. For me, just saying outloud "I'm a writer" has caused a shift in me that makes me want to write and fill those shoes and be a writer. I am also a runner. I won't ever win Boston but I'm a runner anyway. Saying the words "I'm a runner" gets me out each day hitting the pavement in my running shoes. Saying "I'm a writer" makes me want to write every day. Words are powerful and sometimes the label of writer is all one needs to gain that confidence and move forward to become what they have a passion for. Sean is right, we are all writers if we want to be. Emily@remodelingthislife’s last blog post..Link Love: Baby, It’s Cold Outside Edition

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:56:38 +0000

Ron: You’re absolutely right, it’s voice which separates the good from the great and the maybe wills from the never evers. You are also correct, I believe, that for someone it is labor while for others it is instinct.

Angela: True that, Angela and right on! The available tools and technology make today’s world a world where anyone can by a writer. The link to Haley is great as well, by the way. You’re 100%.

Dave: Great writing, reduced to its lowest fraction, is about excellent communication. Some people who can barely string a sentence together are excellent writers. Sometimes the reverse is true. People can write with precision, but can’t necessarily articulate themselves verbally. Marshall Mathers is a good example. To hear the guy speak, you’d never have any idea he could draft an argument with the tip of an arrow.

Vered: Because you write well for the internet, you are a good writer. Kurt Cobain could barely link three chords together, then hook it with an engaging melody line, and probably couldn’t have played Fur Elise if his life depended on it, didn’t make him any less a musician. Millions loved his music. There are writers out there who have a wonderful way with words that are less read than yourself. You, my friend, are a writer.

Ruth: Vered did raise an interesting distinction. Poet, Novelist, Screenwriter, Copywriter, Blogger, etc. Still, all are writers.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:51:06 +0000

I think Vered has brought up an interesting distinction. I'd see blogger as a sub-class of writer, like one might describe oneself as "poet," "novelist," etc. It's certainly a different style of writing from what you'd find in newspapers, novels, non-fiction books, etc. Blogging also allows for greater variation in the same place from the same person. Most other works require uniformity or internal consistency. A blog can be whatever it is. Ruth’s last blog post..Could I Get More Obsessed With My Own Life?

By: Vered - MomGrind

Vered - MomGrind — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:48:16 +0000

Anyone can write. Not everyone can be a writer. Emily is certainly a writer and so are you, Sean. As for me, I often say I'm a blogger, not a writer, and I do believe there's an important difference. I write well for the internet and I'm proud of that. I'm proud of my ability to think up ideas and present them in a way that people on the internet relate and respond to. But I don't have a way with words the same way that you or Emily have. And that's OK. Vered - MomGrind’s last blog post..Breaking: Cosmo Magazine To Change Its Name

By: Dave Fowler

Dave Fowler — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:03:47 +0000

It's tempting to get hung up on the idea of being or becoming a writer, but honestly, I think it’s sometimes more important to work on being a communicator first. You can be an effective and engaging communicator without necessarily being a good writer - but being the former might lead to becoming the latter. Dave Fowler’s last blog post..Feet

By: Angela Maiers

Angela Maiers — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:02:11 +0000

Sean-
I am proud to teach students, that they are writers. They have the power and the capability to share with another what they think, beleive, and understand about the world. As citizen journalist, they are not driven by fame and money ( unless they so choose to be) . We have the tools and the technology available for every voice, young or old, established or novice to be heard.

The audience makes the call. Writing in the 21st Century is impacted and influenced by audience not publisher. Let;s not limit ourselves and the future generation of writers by narrowing definitions and ultimately expectations. Look at what we would be missing- http://tinyurl.com/4dz6×8