How Do You Know if You Are a Writer?

Well, how do you know if you are a writer?

I have been pondering on that question all week, probably because I have been trying very hard to convince myself that that is what I am. And before all you proper writers gang up on me, I know that is not the way to behave. I am a huge fan of Jeff Goins, and he says the greatest obstacle you must overcome is not believing in yourself. Apparently he felt the same in the beginning of his career.

But knowing this has not helped me much this week. I have been writing (I have completed two chapters so far) but I don't know if what I write is any good. On a good day I do, but I don't get too many of them these days. I should know better, because I read a lot and do know a good book when I see one.

What I would love to know, does everyone else feel like this at some stage? Or is my brain too old (at 69 years) to obey my feeble instruction to come up with remarkable fiction content?

Now don't get me wrong, I think I quite like the two chapters I have put together. And I think I have the plot nailed down. I even have an ending of sorts. But then the blues descend and I think it is all rubbish and that I should go back to playing solitaire on my PC.

Here's where I am grateful that I am stubborn and ornery.  I can do a complete about turn, and be determined to finish what I have started. I just wish these dark days would sod off and leave me to my scribbling because most of the time I am blissfully happy trying to create something I have never done before.

Anita thinks I am quite mad. (this is nothing new by the way, she has always known that I am bonkers!) She says I should shut up moaning and just get on with it. Apparently she never has moments of doubt, she totally believes in her characters ability to write the story for her. In fact she says that her only problem was keeping up with them!

Maybe she is right. Once my story takes off, perhaps my characters will help me out too. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

But, supposing they don't?

P.S Would anyone like to share their writing experiences with me?