Anyone Can Be A Writer

Let me first say that I have nothing but the utmost respect for writers. I work with them every day. On occasion, I may refer to myself as one in all seriousness. More often, if I’m calling myself a writer, it’s more of a desperate plea to the universe in a “Law of Attraction” kind of way.

But seriously, people. Anyone can call himself a writer. Judging by the resumes that flood my inbox every time I’m searching to hire a new one, there’s pretty much no requirement on who can use that title. Apparently, you don’t even have to have the most basic, elementary understanding of the English language.

What I’ve learned is this: There are writers and then, there are good writers; there are professional writers. There are writers who will get hired, make money, and build reputations for themselves. And then there are writers who will struggle and barely scrape out a living. It seems to me, that the vast majority of so-called “writers” do not take the necessary steps required to become “good.” Instead, they settle for just being. They proudly announce that they are writers, without a hint of irony, or sarcasm, or desperation, and they succumb to the old belief that a true artist will never fully be appreciated in his time.

Making a living from writing is different from being an artist. Let’s face it: an artist doesn’t have to be good at what they do – that’s why most of them have day jobs. Because language involves a very specific set of rules, writing is a delicate kind of art. It’s fascinating to me (in that sick, car wreck sort of way) how many writers disregard these rules entirely and still expect to make a living. If you’re making art, you can do that – occasionally, with purpose and understanding. But you’re always taking a risk.

Now, I’m not saying that risk is an intolerable part of being a “good” writer. Certainly, it has its place. But a writer looking for work should always display his abilities above his artistic vision.

Writers who are struggling should do one thing: get back to basics. Stop focusing on what you are saying, and look at how you’re saying it. Examine your sentence structure. Evaluate your punctuation. Work with an editor if you’re not comfortable with your own abilities. Slow down and think about what you’re putting out there. Take pride in your work.

Good writers don’t just happen. Writing well is a serious commitment of time, energy and education. Stop thinking of it as a talent and start acknowledging it for what it is: a skill you must constantly hone, a craft you must study intensely to understand.

Anyone can be a writer. But you don’t have to settle for being just any writer.