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

posted by Jaye Marie...



 

I have been pondering on that question for quite a while now, probably because I have been trying very hard to convince myself that this is what I am. And before all you proper writers gang up on me, I know this is not the way to behave. The greatest obstacle I must overcome is not believing in myself.

However, knowing this has not helped me much this week. I have been writing, actually finished ‘The Ninth Life’ last year but not sure 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 71 years) to obey my feeble instruction to come up with remarkable fiction content?

Now don't get me wrong, I quite like the novel I have written and the sequel is shaping up well. I think I have the plot nailed down. I even have an ending of sorts. 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 incredibly stubborn.  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 any 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!

I can testify to her ability, as I am the one who edits her manuscripts, so maybe she is right. My characters did rally round, so maybe between us we manage to create something good? I hope so, because I need to finish the sequel…



P.S Would anyone like to share his or her writing experiences with me?