What Makes A Writer
A lot of times an errant fiction writer assumes that their apparent lack of skill stems from an inability to write, coming to the assumption that the task for them is futile. This kind of thinking is morose to say the least. Writing is not a process that comes unto those who posses a certain unique quality or skill or ability. Writing is about telling a story, an act in and of itself that should not be confused with masochistic self-torture. Storytelling is, I will admit, not a skill everyone possesses. It takes a unique perspective to tell a story, an even rarer perspective to invent a story and tell it simultaneously. That being said, there are many writers who supplement their writing with events that have most likely taken place in their own life, or suffuse their characters with the spirit of friends or family. There are short-cuts a writer can take to make the process easier and to make their writing more telling a story, than building a world.
Some writers assume, because their characters are thin or their plot feels contrived, that their story is not worth the telling. This is not so. As with every other task we apply ourselves to, over time we become better at it. A bottle factory worker does not immediately begin capping hundreds of bottles per hour. It takes repetition, continued effort, and fervor, to get to that point. It also takes time, a lot of time. A writer does not immediately have the ability to weave a quality piece fiction. It takes exploration of one’s own imagination, discovering one’s passions, drawing from your source of knowledge, and ultimately: writing! A writer cannot excel in the craft unless he writes.
Even now, despite the fact that I choose to publicly display my work, I am self-conscious of my writing. I too can write thousands of words into a story only to feel it slip away and the passion I once held for it dissipate. This lack of confidence eventually poisons your mind and rather than continue to try, you give up. There are two primary reason’s for this and one I’ve already mentioned, lack of confidence and writer’s block. I don’t think a writer truly believes in writer’s block until they realize this simple fact: No story you write will come flowing out of your finger tips. Writing a story takes time and patience. Your characters are thin? Get to know them better. Learn what trials and tribulations they have been through that has shaped them as a person. Examine them in particular situations and see how they react. Your plot is contrived? Mix things up; a lot. Add a character. Introduce a new scenario, see how your characters react. Or, seek help. Perhaps you don’t know your characters well enough to further the plot, or perhaps you don’t know the plot well enough to make it anything other than contrived. Perhaps you rely too much on stereotypes, maybe more people-watching is called for. The world gives us so many tools as a writer it’s a shame to suffer when trying to tell your story out of hubris. Never be too proud to seek assistance, or guidance, or new information. Most importantly, never feel above what you’re writing. It’s easy for a writer to lose confidence in their work if they feel they could do better because until you’ve fully explored what it is you’re writing, you really don’t know.
Essentially, in order to be a writer, you have to have the confidence to pursue it. Your writing will take you down alleys at times that are cut off by tall brick walls but it’s up to you to scale it and get to the other side. Like everything, writing presents its unique challenges, so don’t ever be discouraged. Writing is a process that should be respected and by giving up so easily, you are disrupting this process. Giving up will not teach you the skills you need to persevere, and it is only through perseverance that you can expect to create anything of value. If you ever feel like you’re not good enough, re-evaluate your perspective. Just because a story doesn’t feel worthy of completing, doesn’t make it so.
Ultimately, if you really don’t feel like you can do it, then maybe you can’t. Maybe that story you’ve had running through your thoughts and dreams is simply a fantasy never to be shared. Maybe the desire to write, the joy of writing, and the excitement of creating is simply God’s unique way of torching you. Or maybe it’s time you put up or shut up. In closing, I’d like to offer a piece of advice that will help you get to a place where you’re comfortable writing. Poor planning leads to poor execution. If you feel like your story isn’t going as well as you’d hope, maybe you didn’t plan enough before you put finger to key or pen to paper. Perhaps taking a step back in the writing process to plan where you want to go, who will come with you, and why, will really help you push through your fears.
Or, maybe you’re just not a writer, but forever doomed to be a dreamer.
