How Did You Know That You Were A Writer?

Hello Ebi! Hello Fam!

Lately, I’ve been reviewing some of my old blog posts, and I think this would be a great time to revisit one of my favorites. I wrote, “How did you know that you were a writer?” in 2014! Sheesh! Yet, my words of wisdom still hold true! Check it out!

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Are you a Writer?

I’m on Amtrak en route to Norfolk. Exhausted as I was, I forgo a nap. Why? I felt compelled to write. Have you found yourself in such a situation? Do you find that you must write—even if it’s a simple thought or an idea. Are you doodling away on little pieces of paper or scribbling inside the cover of a paperback? Have you whipped out your iPad or iPhone mid-thought? Perhaps, you were inspired by something you saw? If you are guilty of this (or other weird behaviors), you, my friend, are a writer.  

A Writer’s Ailment

Here are some of the thoughts that made me realize that I, too, was suffering from this affliction. LOL!

1. The birth of a book is a labor of love—I’m still in labor.
2. Critiquing is no longer a bad word.
3. I found the courage to introduce myself as a writer.
4. I’m attending events like Pitchapalooza or the 7-minute pitch. (Neither have anything to do w/ baseball.)
5. My laptop is like a purse; it’s always at my side.
6. An author interview is the best—especially if it’s about me.
7. New and old characters battle for supremacy in my head.

1. The characters in my novel take umbrage when the story doesn’t go their way.
2. Social Media has become an ally.
3. I visualize my first book signing.
4. The line is around the corner.
5. It’s at Barnes & Noble.
6. Your editor can be your friend or an enemy. (Depending on the day.)
7. You hate the sight of red ink.
8. Dedication takes on a new meaning—so does frustration.
9. You develop a new respect for the term Writer’s Block.

What else is there?

1. You wonder if a Master of Arts in Creative Writing is worth the money.
2. The devil is in the details, especially when writing a book.
3. Illustrations are also running around in my head.
4. Words like genre, revisions, publishing and query are a part of regular conversation.
5. You’ve become skilled at cooking and reading at the same time.
6. A closed door in a house full of children is precious—so is silence.
7. Library is a beautiful word.
8. Someone touches your manuscript without permission—you threaten bodily harm.
9. My spouse offered to write something on my blog. As sweet as the thought was, I looked at him like he had two heads.
10. Thesaurus is a good friend of mine.
11. Life has become fodder—it gives me inspiration for new work.
12. Publishing is a goal, not just a word.

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Did I answer the question, “How did you know that you were a writer?” I believe I did! Has much changed since I wrote the above piece? Well, I’ve accomplished a lot since I wrote that post, and I’m proud of what I’ve done thus far. (MA in Creative Writing anyone?) If you are looking for more signs that prove that you suffer from this condition, check out this piece: https://www.lifehack.org/287156/15-obvious-signs-that-you-are-writer

Thanks for visiting, fellow writers, and come again soon! You can check out my earlier content at: https://sharonlmitchell.com/