Making the Write Choice

Many people who think about dipping their toes into writing ask themselves one of two questions: should I be a writer? and am I good enough?.

If you've ever posed one of these queries to yourself, the answer is the same for each. No.

That sounds rough, so let me explain why my answer is the right one.

The reason the answer is 'no' is because you had to ask. If you want to be a writer, you should do it because you have to. For you, there's no other choice. You have to write just like you have to breath. You don't do it for fame or fortune. You do it because there surges within you a ceaseless drive to put words to paper and tell a story.

For those who don't hedge this way, the answer to these two questions is different.

Should you be a writer? Yes. But let's be clear. Writing may never be your fulltime job, but you are writing. So, don't stop.

Are you good enough to be a writer? No one should care, and neither should you. If you're moved to write then the writing itself is its own reward. Being read is pure Heaven, and if you one day do get published - priceless.

To all you writers out there, stop doubting yourself. Dive into your craft. Read, write, learn. Heck, attend some classes at a community college. But never doubt that you are meant to be doing exactly what you are.

Feel worthy. Feel good enough, and let people know - you're a writer.