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How Do You Know You Should Be A Writer?

By on August 3, 2017
How Do You Know You Should Be A Writer? - Writer's Life.org

Many people daydream of writing a book. Of becoming a famous novelist, of spending their days dreamily sipping coffee, indulging their creativity, and typing away without a care in the world.

To those who don’t know much about the writing industry, the life of a writer can seem romantic, stress-free or even glamorous.

However, those that do know it well, understand this is often far from the truth.

Writing is a tough gig, where you have to put in long hours, make big sacrifices and be willing to put up with that feeling that you are getting absolutely nowhere, and that there are no guarantees no matter how hard you try.

Despite this, there are those people who simply cannot imagine doing anything else. But before you pack in your day job, and take that huge and risky leap, is there a way you can be sure? In short, how do you know if you should be a writer?

Here are some of the signs that mean you probably should:

You dream of writing

Do you find yourself indulging in little fantasies where you see your published novel in the window of a major bookstore? Do you imagine being interviewed or going on TV to talk about your book? Or perhaps doing a book signing where the queue stretches as far as the eye can see? If you are constantly daydreaming about what it would be like to be a successful author, this is a sign that you are meant to be one.

You’ve always loved to write

Have you always loved writing stories? Even when you were a young child? If so it seems as if this is a passion that is clearly here to stay? Don’t ignore it any longer!
You love to read

Do you devour books? Do you love reading all different types of genres, keep changing your mind about your favourite authors, and feel excited by the smell of a new book? The crispness of the pages? Those first few lines that say so much? Your love of books could be a good indication that you are meant to write one too.
You don’t care about the glory

It’s important that writers write because they love it, not just to get rich or famous. Does this sound like you?
You always find time to write

The most important part about being a writer? Finding the time to write. If you are always putting it off, or always finding an excuse to do something else, you are going to struggle to get anywhere with your writing. However, if you make writing a priority, however difficult, that’s a sign that your love of writing could really take you places.
People call you a daydreamer

Do you always find yourself drifting off and daydreaming about things? Do you find when you are walking down the street you make up stories about the people that pass you? Do you often surprise yourself by the weird and wonderful thoughts you have? If so you should stop dreaming and get those thoughts down on paper!

You have a knack for telling stories

Are you a great storyteller? Do people always gather round when you start to tell a yarn? Or perhaps ask you to repeat the stories you’ve already told them because you tell them so well? Whatever it may be, if you love telling stories and people love to listen to them, you clearly have a gift - so use it.

You can’t stop thinking it’s what you should do

One of the biggest signs you should be a writer is simply the fact that you can’t get that niggling feeling out of your head that that’s what you should do. Listen to your gut - you’ll only end up regretting it if you don’t.

If the above sounds like you, it seems as though you aren’t likely to want to do anything else. So take a deep breath, take the plunge and just go for it!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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