Real Writers…

I write for a living. These days it’s so easy to get published that literally thousands of people are now saying that they’re writers because they have learned how to upload a document onto the Internet. When there is no gatekeeper, is it really published, or is it merely uploaded. I get it, these people do write, then they upload, and then (thanks to the Internet and electronic books) they’re published. But, let’s face it, just because I talk doesn’t mean I’m a speaker. And just because I can upload a photo taken on my cell phone doesn’t mean I’m a photographer.
Like any other industry that goes through changes, the market is getting stuffed with, shall we say, less professional products. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great writers who have found it difficult, if not outright impossible, to get published through the old system. And, we’ve all heard about how often a best selling author’s first book was rejected twenty or more times. That doesn’t change the fact that there’re a lot of bad books being “published.” So, I talked with a few of my writer friends and we came up with a list of things that “real” writers either have done, or know something about. You don’t have to agree with all of these, of course. And some are put in here just for fun, but this list is worth thinking about. Here goes:
Real Writers… • have read over five books on the craft of writing.• have taken courses on how to write.• have attended multiple writers’ conferences. • write every day, “every” damned day.• never get writer’s block.• have had a manuscript edited by a professional to see just how well they really write.• have accumulated over 50 rejections from magazines and publishers. • read without the television on in the background (because they love words).• study the books they read, the movies they watch, television shows, etc. • have seen their work in print (remember print?).• never go out without a notebook and pen, or an electronic device they can take notes on.
Feel free to add your own thoughts to this list. Have a little fun with it. What’s happened to you along the way?  
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Terry Persun writes in many genres, including historical fiction, mainstream, literary, and science fiction/fantasy. His novel, Cathedral of Dreams is a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year finalist in the science fiction category. His novel Sweet Song just won a Silver IPPY Award, too. His latest novel is, Revision 7: DNA , a sci-fi thriller. Terry’s website is: www.TerryPersun.com or you can find him on Amazon HERE.