What is a Real Writer?

The name of my website is taken from a Marge Piercy poem called "For The Young Who Want To."

The real writer is one

who really writes. Talent

is an invention like phlogiston

after the fact of fire.

Work is its own cure. You have to

like it better than being loved.

BASICALLY THIS MEANS:  Write because you need to. Because it's who you are. You don't need a degree or a book deal to be a 'real' writer. A Real Writer loves writing for the sake of writing, not just for what it might get him/her in the way of money or success. It goes deeper than that. A Real Writer commits to writing because to do so is to commit to who he/she is and to that passion.

Good writing starts with passion. One must be deeply invested in the act, the process, and the results. And one must be open to the flow, to the unconscious, to the unknown, and see what enters the writing. Not everything works, but there is no such thing as failed writing. It all moves you forward.

It's also about authenticity. Being who you are. YOUR voice. YOUR stories. The ones you are called to write. Not imitating anyone else (being inspired and taught by them, yes; copying their voice, no).

And, let's be honest - as a writer you need to be a little obsessed. If you're not feeling thrilled, terrified, and maybe a little nauseous, you're not yet having a love affair with your imagination. You know that feeling, that high when you meet someone you click with? That's what I'm talking about.

It's incredibly exciting to have a writing practice, a writing life like that and I want it for you.

Here you'll find inspiration, information, and imagination that will help support you on your writing adventure.

EDITING AND CRITIQUE SERVICES:  If you'd like to work together on polishing  your writing, check out the link to my services in the left hand sidebar. I'll challenge you and help you learn how to do some basic critique of your own work so you learn your strengths and weaknesses and improve your skills. If you have a project or a deadline, even better!

If your goal is publication, we can focus on that, but you also need to go deeply and truthfully into your writing first. That's your foundation.

FACEBOOK: I invite you to also join me on Facebook - click on the badge to the right - for regular 'Write Ins' where we gather to respond to prompts to keep the creativity flowing. We should be having one soon soon and it's great fun - all in the privacy of your own home in your pajamas if you like (and I don't know about you but doing anything in my pajamas is a selling point)!

On the fan page you can ask me a question, boast about a project, even vent if you're having a frustrating writing day. I really would love to hear from you.

THANK YOU: There are thousands of sites out there devoted to writing. I appreciate you joining mine and giving me the opportunity to share my ideas, tips, and experience with you. 

 

Comments

[Dance Class]

I love to express my thought but I think writing is not my passion. I just read your post and it really inspire me. thanks for sharing.. :)

[Chris S.]

Thanks so much for your support!