Everyone Can Be a Writer
Follow Your Dreams
I frequently hear people say that they could never be a writer. When I ask why they feel that way, they usually follow it up with things like, “I am not good at writing.”, “I don’t have any good ideas.”, and “I never liked writing in college/high school.” Granted, maybe some of these individuals really don’t like writing and would rather not try to start it as a hobby. However, for those who would like to write but frequently tell themselves those excuses, please know: everyone can be a writer.
Why I feel that way
I am an enabler by my own admission. I like telling people to do what they want to do, even if they think they may be bad at it. The reason is simple: I want people to tell a story if they think they have one to tell. Really, I think everyone has a story they could tell, but if you have a story that you want to tell, I really want you to tell it. Also, I’m selfish and nosy because I want to hear that story, whatever it may be.
However, I also want people to do what they want to do because they can do it. Publishing has never been so accessible. Finding an editor to help you has also never been easier. There are so many freelancers out there with reasonable rates that can help get your story told without ever having to shill out your manuscript to a publisher. Artists and designers that create book covers, software that will help you format it for digital and print publication, etc. There is a whole network out there waiting to help you get where you want to go.
That’s not even the most important part. If you want to write and publish, then do it for yourself. Regret is one of the most painful things in the world, and it’s something that oftentimes is avoidable. For example, when I was in high school, I was in the marching band. I loved it, and I had every intention to audition for the marching band in college. Unfortunately, my fear of rejection and failure was much more than how much I wanted to march. Consequently, I didn’t even try to audition. To this day, when I see that band march out on the field and hear them play, I can’t help to think, “What if?” I don’t want that for anyone else.
Write because you want to write
Regardless of what I say, write because you want to write. You deserve to be happy and to do the things you want to do. Even if you never intend to seek publication, write for yourself. Everyone can be a writer.
Thank you so much for reading.
Lissy