So you want to become a writer. There are, of course, the physical and mental requirements. Education, hard work, that sort of thing. These are a must, and no writer worth his salt would call himself a writer without these. But theres more to it.
Do you have what it takes? How do you know if this is what you really want to invest the rest of your life in. These are the emotional questions that must be answered before you may put pen to paper. Beyond all the Diploma's and statements of your writing ability, it all comes down to the heart of writing. And heart is an apt term in this situation. Because sooner or later, there will come a time when the new wears off . You may have been published several times and became famous, but when that time comes , the writer within will shine his brightest. When writing becomes old hat, the true writer will forge onward, rushing to new heights, while the untrue writers will wander off on some wayside trail in search of different rainbows. With this in mind, you have to decide if you have the heart to make writing a career.
Let me give you an example. There was a time that I put writing on the back burner. I felt that I would never become a writer because I couldn't seem to finish anything, and frankly, life just got in the way. I had too many other pans in the fire, so I decided to put my writing career to the side and go on with my life, maybe to stumble across something else that I might like to do in the near future. Now this was the clincher for me. This was the moment in time that I realized that I was a true writer. For weeks, I was miserable. I couldn't sleep properly. I constantly caught myself wallowing in self-pity. It was as if I had lost a best friend.
Finally, I saw what was happening. Writing was as integral part of me as my arms. I began writing again, and another day dawned.
Writing is a friend when your lonely, or it can be a ravenous beast clawing at your mind, demanding release. Being published is a rush like no other, but for a true writer, being published is a grand side effect, a bonus, if you will. A true writer must feed this beast that hides within him, lest he be consumed by it. A bit melodramatic, but you get the point.
There are two things that you must have to become a writer. Lots of determination, and twice as much patience. You have to make yourself sit down at that computer, typewriter, or paper. Write as often and as much as you can. It is entirely too easy to say that you will do it after this is done or you've finished watching this T.V. show. This is not acceptable. Pick your times to write, and regardless of what else is going on, stick to it.
Patience is the tough part. Waiting for that idea. Waiting for this article or that book to be finished. Waiting to hear from a publisher. Writing is 50% patience, and 50% everything else.
This life-choice is hard work that can be emotionally as well as mentally stressful. Nevertheless, for those of you that have writers in you, just let me say this; as low as you feel when you get the first rejection slip, you will soar when you first see your name in print. You will become complete, and I warn you, being published is often an addictive sensation. Once you get there the first time, you will always strive to return.
Jay Graham is a 20 year professional author/columnist/freelancer/SEO writer with over 20 years experience in the literary Industry. He currently provides job opportunity links to other writers seeking work at his website.
http://chasingthemuse.blogdrive.com/
Mr. Graham is also the head of Creative Solutions Literary/Graphic/Publicity
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