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| Photo credit: JohnONolan on Flickr |
I’ve often read about authors who had never dreamt about anything else, who can’t remember ever wanting to be anything else. But that’s not me. Not quite.
In elementary school, I had all sorts of occupational dreams. I wanted to be a doctor until I realized I’m squeamish after all, I dreamt of being a movie star until I learned the meaning of stage fright, and I told my friends and family that I wanted to be a missionary until my interest drifted elsewhere.
I had several elementary school teachers tell me I should be a writer, but the idea didn’t really resonate with me until I was neck-deep in the first draft of my first book. But by then, it wasn’t really a question, it wasn’t hey, maybe I should be a writer, it was more of a realization that I loved what I was doing and I didn’t want to stop.
So I didn’t stop. And I won’t.
What about you? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Twitter-sized bites:
Have you always wanted to be a writer? Join the discussion on @Ava_Jae's blog. (Click to tweet)
When did you know you wanted to be a writer? Join the discussion on @Ava_Jae's blog. (Click to tweet)
16 comments:
In elementary school, I was 100% certain I wanted to be a writer (and maybe a paleontologist or archaeologist or singer). Writing as a career goal lasted up through the first year of college, when I decided it would be too lonely (pre-social media days) and too financially insecure.
It wasn't until years later when I was firmly established at my day job and after I had kids that I suddenly got the urge to write again. Out popped my first novel-length manuscript. Initially, I thought it might be a one-time thing, but then came the next story, and that's when I was certain (again) that I wanted to be a writer.
I'm one of those lifetime writers, but even though I've been writing "books" since I was 5 (!), it wasn't until I was 10 that someone first suggested I could be a writer. It was a "light bulb" moment - I was certain that it was what I had to do with my life! But it still took me 10 years to actually write a novel. :P
When I was in first grade and glad the school system finally admitted I was able to read, I loved our first reading book, 'My Little Red Story Book' so much that I made my own copy secretly at home and agonized over defying the copyright notice. I was already making up stories though rarely writing them down since I didn't want to open them up to universal criticism. Later in my childhood when I read Little Women, I decided I'd be a writer like Jo. I identified more with Beth as both of us were shy and loved the piano, but I didn't want to die young.
Nissa
http://linalamont.blogspot.com
I love that! It's amazing how the average writer life and expectations have changed over the last decade. Thanks so much for sharing, Laura!
I think the first book tends to be the hardest (and for many writers, the longest to complete). It's the biggest mental hurdle. Once you know you can finish a book, it tends to be a little easier, because you know you've already done it once. :)
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Interesting! I like the idea of identifying with a character so much--it really speaks to how books can change lives. :)
I don't know...my friends and family have said that I was born a writer with my love of books and words and everything. This year I really found truth in my writing (mainly about myself) that I couldn't get any other way. I don't know when I decided I wanted to get published. I have always been a writer and I always will be a writer. But I am also going to pursue other professions as well in addition to my writing.
I think I really haven't decided whether I want to be a writer or not. Professionally, anyway. I write all the time and I love it but getting published doesn't seem like it would be as rewarding as just working on it.
I wanted to be a writer ever since I wrote my first novella, which was around the age of ten. But, for me, writing is a part-time thing, and I don't aim to ever have it as a full-time job.
I haven't always wanted to be a writer but I've always written, if that makes any sense. It wasnt until my friend suggested I start doing it on a computer that the back button made me realise I could surpass a 1st draft and write something mistake free... Then the possibilities were endless and being a writer, occupation wise, began to interest me.
True story.
I think it's interesting that sometimes people recognize a potential in us long before we recognize it ourselves. And I also think it's totally fair for you to pursue more than just writing—many writers have a day job as well as their writing job. Having another job doesn't make you any less of a writer. :)
Publishing isn't for everyone, but I think you can still definitely be a writer even if you don't publish. Some people just enjoy writing for themselves, and that's totally fine.
That's totally fair. Not every writer aims for it to be a full-time occupation. :)
Makes sense to me! Also, I think it's pretty great that technology is really what opened that possibility for you. :)
I always knew. The creative writing exercise were the only thing I enjoyed doing at school. I took a career test on a BBC computer and the top result was author. I loved reading. It was natural.
How great! It definitely sounds like the answer came very naturally to you. :) Thanks for sharing!
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