I Dream of Being a Writer
@mrslisaepoetry (65)
United States
October 26, 2008 8:43am CST
I dream of being a writer. I've always wanted to be a writer. The dictionary says that a writer is one who writes. I've been making up tales since I was four. I've been writing since I was thirteen. I write everyday. Does this make me a writer?
My husband says that a writer, in his opinion, is one who writes well enough to make a living from it. How do I do that? Will I ever do that? Is this what a writer truly is?
I write. Do I know how to write? I write. Do I write well enough to ever be my husband's idea of a writer? How do I write when words won't come? How do I know that the words that come are words worth writing?
I have always wanted to be a writer. My parents didn't believe in me. My teachers didn't believe in me. My English teacher told me I'd never be a writer. He said I didn't have what it takes. Still, I want to be a writer. I dream of being a writer. I write. Does that make me a writer? I earn very little from my writing. Am I still a writer though? If not, will I be a writer some day?
Do dreams ever really come true?
What makes a writer, a writer?
L.M.E
6 people like this
26 responses
@LaurenInLA (2270)
• United States
26 Oct 08
What's a writer? A person who writes. Whether or not you ever make enough money out of writing to make a living is really beside the point. If you love writing (and it sounds like you do) don't ever give it up. I think that what's more important than others believing in you is that you believe in yourself. Not very long ago I read that Janet Evanovich sent a book to a publisher and that if she wasn't successful with this book, she was going to give up her writing dream. The publisher bought the book and if Ms. Evanovich had given up her dream we wouldn't have the delightful Stephanie Plum series of books.
I stumbled across a quote that I keep taped on my computer. "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't give up."
4 people like this
@marty3888 (2355)
• Acme, Michigan
26 Oct 08
Also, remember Stephen King wrote that manuscript Carrie, read it, didn't think it was good and threw it away. His wife saw it, read it, sent it in and got a $200,000 advance. Imagine if trash would have been taken to the curb without his wife seeing it. Tell your husband if you write a best seller and make a million dollars, he's not getting any of it!
4 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
26 Oct 08
Do I write well enough to ever be my husband's idea of a writer?
Does it matter? I'm sorry but I've never published a book, never sold a story or poem etc etc...does that make me NOT a writer? Of course not...I'm just as much a writer as some of the most famous authors out there..Why? because I write from my soul..I'm an artist..be it drawing, painting, writing, dancing etc etc..Why? because I do it from my soul...To me thats all that matters...So long as one is doing it with passion, as long as they are creating from their core being...thats all that matters..THAT is what defines an artist of any kind
4 people like this
@manodogs (415)
• United States
26 Oct 08
While I applaud your reasoning, I disagree.
There are very clear, concrete criteria which must be met in order for someone to call one's self a writer, artist, performer, musician, etc., and really wanting to do it and giving it all you've got is not one of those.
I clean my own toilet, but that does not make me a plumber; I decided where to place my furniture and hang my decorations, but that does not make me an interior designer; I pay my own bills, but that doesn't mean I am an accountant. I truly believe the same considerations need to be given the creative arts.
That said though, I agree that if you write - write often, seek to write better, and share your work - that you are, in fact, a "real" writer. But though I consider myself the same, and have had works published and even won contests, I have never written and published a book, so I do not consider myself an "author." Just for example.
@lrglara (1334)
• Philippines
26 Oct 08
well from what i've observed, you're grammatically correct and punctuations are in place. but that's not enough to be considered a writer.
writing is more than just making a living. although, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment when your writings are published or rated highly. if you feel really passionate about it, continue it. the more unique your writing is the better.
i remembered a famous line from a book about writing: "never a day without a line".. keep writing. :)
4 people like this
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
27 Oct 08
Good point. I gotta learn something. Pratice makes perfect and perfect makes permanent...
2 people like this
@mrslisaepoetry (65)
• United States
27 Oct 08
I appreciate what you're saying. Grammar is actually my down fall as of lately. I had an accident a few years back and haven't been able to get a grasp on Grammar in my writing. This is actually just a piece I wrote to stir up opinions and thoughts. I never dreamed it would result in so many thought provoking responses. I write for several places and am constantly adding on to that list so yes I do consider myself a writer. Others may not, but I do.
1 person likes this
@isaiah12 (416)
• United States
26 Oct 08
A writer is simply someone who writes.
You are a writer if you love to take your thoughts, ideas, feelings and put them on paper.
You speak about those who do not believe in you. What matters most is that you belive in yourself.
Keep dreaming! Dreams help give us something to work toward. Dreams push us to grow. And dreams do come true!
4 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
26 Oct 08
I write too. I publish my articles online. I do not make enough to make a living from it, so does that make me a writer? I still feel that I am a writer. I'm also doing some freelance writing, I guess that makes me a freelance writer. I think each individual has their own definition of a writer. Stick to yours. If you're passionate about writing, go ahead and pursue your dream, be it publishing your work or writing in a diary...
@manodogs (415)
• United States
26 Oct 08
Well, if you want some constructive criticism - and this is going only from your question above and nothing else - I will gladly give you a few pointers, but you have to keep in mind that a lot of people want to be able to call themselves "writers," "musicians," and (especially) "artists" even though they really have no right to do so. When it comes time to test their mettle, they often cannot face the music (so to speak).
If you want to better your writing, I will gladly respond, but if you are content as you are and aren't too eager to hear what I (or anyone else) may have to say, then why worry about it? Like others said: just keep reading and writing and don't be so concerned with defining what it is you enjoy doing!
2 people like this
@vera5d (4005)
• United States
26 Oct 08
If you want to be a writer, all you have to do is start publishing! You are a writer as soon as other people start reading it I think!
Have you thought about sites like associated content? They pay for pageviews or sometimes upfront payment. You can publish anything - short stories, articles, etc. (I do best with articles though have a few poems there also)
You can sign up for it here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=120097
And if you are already on AC add me as a friend and I will read your stuff!
another good option is just start your own writing blog/site. i know one blogger who does very well publishing her haiku poems!
@marty3888 (2355)
• Acme, Michigan
26 Oct 08
Thanks vera5. I also dream of being published and just signed up.
3 people like this
@Quillspirit (46)
• United States
27 Oct 08
I second that. To be a writer, just start writing. Associated Content can help you break into it by giving your your first paycheck, and also lets you measure your audience. Support from other authors is abundant, and will help you fine tune your skill. Digg it! :)
@paid2write (5201)
•
27 Oct 08
Being a writer is not something you should dream about. You either are a writer or you don't write.
I never needed to dream about being a writer, because I have been writing for myself all my life. I have had some of my poetry published in print magazines and anthologies, but now I am earning money by writing for websites.
I write every day. This year so far, I have written hundreds of articles and blog posts, and added thousands of responses at myLot.
I think I can say I am a successful writer. Everything I write appear on the internet and my writing provides me with a monthly income.
3 people like this
@ethanonthemoon (1494)
• Quezon, Philippines
26 Oct 08
What have you written in your dreams? From what have you written, so far, in this discussion, I must say that you have the instinct and prowess of being a writer. Keep it up!
4 people like this
@censae (72)
• United States
27 Oct 08
A writer is one who writes. You write and therefore you are a writer. There are many adjectives that describe the kind of writer you are. you can only decide which label is most important to you--the one that defines you. You can be a starving writer, a dynamic writer, a passionate writer, or many, many, more kinds. You seem to have a passion and drive to continue. If your audience has not found you yet your time has not come. If you only measure your worth as a writer by how much money you can make, you will lose a very precious thing. The precious thing is your desire to speak. Trust me, some one may hear you one day and change the course of their life. Even if you do not make money or get a great deal of recognition, don't stop writing. Writing can be one of those things that you can add to your other skills---a mother and writer, a computer programmer and writer. Words are powerful and they create. God created the Universe with his words. Words are important. When you use them you have created something in this big old Universe. Good for you.
2 people like this
@Crocket (315)
• Canada
27 Oct 08
Yes, if you believe in yourself as being a writer then you should most certainly write.
There are many publishers on the internet that are looking for good quality writing and they will pay much money for your talent.
I have been writing since I was nineteen and now have over one hundred completed songs on cd.
In high school I only got a fifty-one percent in my grade twelve English and this dissappointed me very much but I did not give up and you should not give up either.
Don't let negative influences change what you are destined to do.
Crocket.
2 people like this
@Crocket (315)
• Canada
29 Oct 08
Hello everyone! Crocket here. I fealt like writing something for you tonight and I was in such a fright that it took all might to write.
Now some say I'm Longfellow but surely I don't bellow, and always wear my yellow sweater to bed.
The next time I do hear from you I hope you don't wear party blue as nothing that I knew would change.
This is just the way that I feel at the moment ladies and gentlemen so please excuse me for being so forward.
And no I am not drinking!
Crocket.
1 person likes this
@23uday (2997)
• India
26 Oct 08
HEY FRIENDS
Writing is my passion and i hust love to write on anything.it innovates a person in
me.writing should be whole heartedly and money is always secondary in my perception.
writing soothes me and carries me to a different world.i just love poetry and i do \
write poetry and my inspiration for is nature,my best friends and my mom.
bye
@remoteamber (135)
• China
27 Oct 08
Firstly ,I sincerely admit that you are a writer ,a really writer .In my opinion,
Writer is a man who can write down his life and his thoughts of his life .A writer
can't write something just for money ,he should write something that can inspire the
human and the society .I think you should puts in some time and hard work to make
your dreams come ture .You shuold adhere to , no matter how other people say .
Wish you a good luck !
3 people like this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
27 Oct 08
i also like to write but i never write or published a book... i don't think i need to do that to be able to be considered as a writer... as long as i am happy, i don't really care what other people is saying about me... so keep on writing and you can try to publish your article in associate content or helium... take care and have a nice day...
2 people like this
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
27 Oct 08
For me you are a writer but you should be writing things that comes from your heart and you should make us feel what you really feel as you write it. Just keep on writing and reading other works too and maybe you'll find your style that would make you unique and accomplished as a writer.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
27 Oct 08
I too love writing and I consider myself to be a writer! I would love to actually have a physical book published in all good bookshops. Will I ever get there? I hope so. I have been writing for many years and my writings have been in the form of personal journals. I write about my thoughts and feelings and I find that this is a tremendous form of release for me. I have had several articles published and one piece of fiction. The websites are Associated Content, Helium, Neowide, Triond and Reviewstream. I advise you to check these out if you are not a member of them already. I'm trying to think of new content to write about. I like the idea of writing fiction and I'm trying to get my imagination going. I think that there's a common saying, if you want to become a writer then you should write and keep on writing. Another thing I would advise is, get into reading in a big way! Read lots of books and analyse the author's writing style. You can learn a lot when you read, this can help in your future writings. Anyway, good luck. Andrew
2 people like this
@agrant10 (1476)
• United States
27 Oct 08
I will tell you, you can be anything you want to, as long as you believe in you. It does not matter what parents, teacher or anyone else said. If this is your dream it can be obtained. Whatever you decide please do not let your dream die. I would suggest that you register with Helium if you have not already. This would be a great place to enhance your writing skills while you earn some cash. Much success to you and I pray that one day you will make it to the top of the best sellers list.
2 people like this
@shalli17here (627)
• Indonesia
27 Oct 08
i say a writer is some1 who can write well, describe their feelings in words, touch other's heart with it and amazed them, makes them sad or happy with their writing..it doesnt have to create money just to get a tittle as a "writer"..
one example : if some1 has a great voice tallent but he/she cant be a singer artist, but every1 loves his/her voice n demand that person to always sing for them n make a recordings or sth, but no, that person doesnt want it, he/she just want ppl he/she loves to hear it n comfy with it voice in heart..thats enough for him/her if his/her voice can make ppl happy..
how do u call that kinda person ? a singer or not ?
so Mrs. Lisaepoetry, keep on writing =) dont listen to wat ppl said if they not supporting u for doing it, if writing can make u happy and u find peace inside, just do it and explore urself..im sure there's some1 who will say that ur a writer =) and one supporting voice is enough for u to move on n keep on writing =)
sincerely,
Shalli
2 people like this
