Are you a writer?
It has been said, and is the generally accepted belief, that if you write, you are a writer. Whether you wait on tables, repair PCs or milk goats, as long as you write, you are technically a writer. “Then why don’t I feel like one?” you ask? Some are reluctant to say, “I’m a writer.” As if making that statement would be committing the eighth cardinal sin. If asked, they might say, “I write.”
This might be due to the misguided assumption many have, that unless you are a paidwriter, you aren’t a real writer.
I visit numerous screenwriting and novel writing blogs and websites and am in awe of the unsigned talent out there. Most of those guys make little to no money for their efforts. They freely share their imagination and brilliance with anyone who would avail themselves of the opportunity to soak it in. Others write for a living. A good living. So whether you are a paid writer or not isn’t the point. Yet!
Another problem might be that you tend to compare your screenplays to those of Woody Allen, Billy Wilder, Francis Ford Coppola or Charlie Kaufman. Or compare your novels to those of the masters of horror, sci-fi, romance, mystery and so on. While it is good to read and learn from the greats, it is not good to compare yourself to them to the point of discouragement and apathy setting in.
Focus on honing your craft. Find your voice. Your style. You may not become a greatwriter, but you can become a good writer.
Remember, “The professional is the amateur who didn’t quit.” – Richard Bach
Write first for the personal satisfaction of letting your inner child, demon or alter-ego out. If you are only doing it for the money, then you are more likely to be washed away by the numerous waves of rejection and disappointed that will invaribly come your way. At least when starting out. If love of the craft, on the other hand, is your motivational force, you can enjoy your work whether published or not, whether paid or not. Then, down the road if you are noticed and published, then all the better.
Consider the example of J.L. Bourne. He started a blog several years ago, wrote a little bit of his story each day, and in time his compilations became the book entitled Day by Day Armageddon. What is more, its sequel is scheduled for release in July of 2010! “Ah, but he’s a professional writer.” you say. In truth, he was on active duty serving in the U.S. military when he wrote DBDA. He wrote a little bit each day as he had time to do so.
Not everyone will have a similar success story. But his story proves that it is possible if you just keep after it. And if fate delays in calling your number, don’t give up. Blogs are cheap-to-free to set up. There are also fairly cheap self-publishing alternatives out there. So just keep the pen to the paper or fingers to the keys and continue to do what you love most: BE A WRITER! The joy will ALWAYS be there and hey, could be the payday will follow. However, you’ll never know if you give up.
