I love to write. I begin writing with kid-lit for my grand-kids, home made just for them. I write for fun. I have also written some rants and a few random thoughts. I write nothing fancy, PC (punctuated correctly), or of novel length. I’ve had a few of my biographical memory pieces published in family magazines.

Since I became a member of an online writers site, I’ve tried my hand at other genres, thanks to the prompts. My stories are short and quick to read. No novel is planned for ‘down the road’, no plans for publishing.

Can I then call myself a real writer? Am I serious enough about writing?

Writing a monthly newsletter for each of two groups has required me to do a lot of researching on the craft of writing. I read and study in preparation for the letter, and believe it or not, some of it sticks.

I’ve put a list together of a few of the requirements I’ve noticed during my searches.

A real writer is serious about writing, driven, and writes daily.

A real writer lets nothing come in the way of finishing the novel.

A real writer has a neat desk and keeps everything in the correct folder.

A real writer keeps a notebook with them at all times.

A real writer is well educated.

A real writer writes, he won't edit until the story is told.

A real writer wears a tweed jacket and smokes a pipe.

A real writer locks the door to his office and speaks to no one during his writing time.

Does this describe you? It doesn’t me. I am none of these things, not one. Does that mean I’m not a real writer? No, I don’t think so. Real writer’s write for themselves too. I write because I like to. I’m serious about the piece I’m working on, and I want it to be the best it can be, but I’m not driven and I don’t feel the need to write daily.

My desk isn’t neat. It has no semblance of being organized; in fact, it’s very messy. I can find what I need though. Usually. Somewhere. I might as well have a revolving door because people come and go all day. I must edit as I go, and I would look ridiculous with a pipe.

The most important ‘tip’ I know is ‘write for the joy of writing’. Write for yourself, for those you love. The publishing will happen if you research well and submit to the right place at the right time. From what I’ve read, it’s mainly a matter of luck. I know editors have turned down best sellers, so if you’ve been rejected, you’re among the best. If an author has a good story and his confidence in his writing is secure, he should go ahead and self-publish without any qualms. It works. Amazon is filled with these types of books and they are as good as the publishing houses turn out, better in some cases. Research well and ask for opinions before deciding who to use though. As with anything, some are not as they profess to be.

We don’t work in our real life jobs everyday. We need to take time off for that walk in the park. We need to relax and laugh out loud. Employers realized that a long time ago, and require their employees to take a day off once a week. They know the employee will come back refreshed and raring to go. Hmm, they’ll come back anyway. Inspiration comes from everyday living. If you’re stuck behind a desk every spare moment, where will you find your inspiration? Yes, we need a schedule, but it doesn’t have to be strictly adhered to by the clock.

You won’t lose your story if you miss a scheduled hour of ‘writing’ time. In fact, chances are you’ll get more accomplished with better quality after refreshing yourself. If you think you must write every day just because some experts say so, writing will soon lose its appeal; it will cease to be fun. We can’t let that happen, can we?

Write as long as it’s fun, but as soon as you feel it start to drag, take a break. Forcing yourself to finish ‘just one more page’ is worthless. You’ll probably have to cut it anyway.

Yes, newsletter editors are writers too.


About The Author


Harriet Silkwood is a reviewer of new writers and has written newsletters and articles on the subject of novice writing and reviewing with common sense and encouragement. Her portfolio may be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/storytime. She is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

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