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Jan. 11, 2005 "A true writer labors over his words, so you won’t have to!" - Jennifer Brown Banks Over the last few weeks that I have participated in the U.K. forum, there has been great debate over what constitutes a real “writer.” As someone who has made a living at it for more than a decade, I would like to offer my perspective for the purpose of clarification. For the record, I am not an expert. I am not a writer by training, but by “calling”. Webster defines a writer as “a person who engages in writing, especially as an occupation.” But writing is much more than an activity; it’s an attitude. It’s a lifestyle-- by some accounts, an addiction. We live and breathe words. We write because we must. A real writer will deprive himself of sleep, food, sex and socialization to finish a piece or meet a deadline! A true writer considers writing a responsibility and a privilege. Many people believe that any individual that engages in the act of writing is considered a writer. This simplistic definition is not entirely true. No more than a person who gives a speech is to be considered a speaker, or a person who dances a dancer. Here are some things to be considered in identifying the real McCoy! Do not be fooled by impostors. Apply the following criteria to your own writing. You be the judge. 1. A WRITER CARES ABOUT HIS/HER AUDIENCE’S EXPERIENCE--- that care is demonstrated through the usage of paragraphs, proper punctuation, and Standard English. It does not mean that the work is perfect in presentation (that’s what editors are for). But it is at least professionally prepared, with minimal revisions required. If you feel that your readers are not worth the time and effort for you to proof your work, you are not a writer. You are a person who wishes to vent or to “share,” who uses writing as the medium. If you feel that you should only put forth your best work when you are being compensated for your writing, you should probably confine your thoughts to your diary. You’re cheating yourself and everybody else as well. The exception to this is if you’re penning a quick E-mail to a friend, or posting a note to a bulletin board for recreational purposes. 2. A WRITER IS A STORYTELLER--- He/she realizes the importance of conveying a beginning, middle, and end. That care is demonstrated through transitioning paragraphs that move from points A-Z sequentially and logically. 3. A WRITER IS A STUDENT OF LIFE---We have a natural curiosity about what makes things work, what makes people tick. We love to connect, to consider, to influence thought. 4. A WRITER IS A MESSENGER--- We are called to speak the truth (as we see it) even if it makes us unpopular. Hence the expression "Don't shoot the messenger!" 5. A WRITER IS AN IDEALIST--- We truly believe we can make the world a nicer place through a well- crafted poem or thoughtful piece. We may not save the world, but we are committed to its betterment! ------------ About the author: Jennifer Brown Banks is an award-winning poet and popular feature writer. She is the founder and president of Poets United to Advance the Arts. Her upcoming book of poetry, "A Paradox in Pink" is scheduled to be released in Spring 2005. Email: jenniferwriter@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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