5 Ways To Know If You're A True Writer

Do you ever wonder if you were really meant to be a writer? Sometimes you get occasional or even frequent writer's block. Your words may not always make sense, and you misplace your manuscript from time to time. If this sounds like you, how can you know for sure if writing is a good fit for you?

Below, I have 5 ways to help you to determine whether you should stick with writing. You know you're a true writer if:

You find yourself jotting down new ideas on paper, napkins, your hand, or even furniture
(I suggest writing on something other than the furniture)

You write down the details in a meeting such as a work meeting or church function

You try hard to put the pen or pencil down, but you just can't

You become overly conscious of your spelling and grammar when you write

You find yourself writing when you should be working, cooking, or watching the kids

While some of these items are lighthearted and meant to make you chuckle, let's face it: A true writer actually writes! So if you call yourself a writer, do whatever you need to do in order to write and complete the work you've started.

Connect and Celebrate with Other Writers

You are not an island. Yes, I know the original quote is a little different, but writer, I'm talking specifically to you.

Many of us think we can get published on our own as long as we write a great manuscript, send it to the publisher, and get that letter of acceptance. However, for most people this is not the case. You need other writers and they need you. So you're afraid to meet new people-- but do it anyway.

Why is it so important for you to meet other writers?

• You need someone to read your writing before you send it off to the publisher.
• You need an honest, unbiased person to help you improve your writing
• You'll need to learn and gain access to the changing trends in writing.
• You need encouragement from other people who are in the same predicament as you, especially when times get tough.

Below you'll find some great ways to connect to other writers:

• Attend writers conferences
• Connect with a writer's group
• Tell others that you are a writer and you may find a fellow writer as you're talking
• Seek out other writers in your church, your social groups, among friends, and yes, even within your family

Even if you find one other writer, the two of you can strengthen each other along the publishing journey, and when you both get published, you can celebrate together!

The Cost of the Glamorous Life

Many of us view our favorite authors and writers as living the glamorous life. Why? Because we see them on TV and we see all the wonderful reviews about their books. Then we begin to think, "Wow, he/she must have everything. I wish I had what they had."

However, with any type of fame and attention, there comes a price. What is the price paid for the glamorous life of an author?

On their part, the author has to:

• Put in the time to write their best selling book
• Create a marketing plan
• Sacrifice sleep, family time, and other necessities in order to meet deadlines
• Spend time promoting their books

Is this the type of life you want to live?

If you answered yes, then you need to count the cost. What do you need to do right now as an aspiring author to reach your writing goals?

• Decide on what you want to write
• Decide your target audience
• Start writing everyday regardless of your mood or how your feeling physically
• Refuse to listen to negativity
• Create your marketing plan
• Read books on writing and marketing

Does this sound like the glamorous life to you? Even if it doesn't if you're committed to following through on your dreams and making the necessary sacrifices, you can one day see your name in print.

It's Over -- Lebron Lost!

Disappointment to say the least. Of course I was doubtful that Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers would win both games during the Eastern Conference championship, but when they lost on Saturday night, it really hit me. Their chances of winning the 2009 NBA championship were over. Just think. All that hard work during these last 8-9 months: down the drain. Now the Lebron and Cleveland Cavaliers have to step into the unknown of the next NBA season and start all over again.

Starting all over again. Writer, you may be in a devastating situation. Your dreams and hopes of being published may have been crushed for whatever reason, but you can start over again. How?

Believe in yourself and your ability.
Write what you know.
Be consistent.
Refuse to allow your situation to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Just because it feels like you're losing now doesn't mean you can't start again! Just take the first step.

Sticky Situation: Lebron James Must Win Every Game!

I was very cynical lastnight as I watched the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. As always, the Cavaliers start off strong in the first and second quarters, only to fall short in the last two. It happened again. They were ahead and then lost momentum in the third quarter.

In my mind I gave up, but...the Cavs pulled it off. They won the game 112-102! I was impressed, but now they're in a sticky situation. In order to win the Eastern conference championship and move on to the NBA championship, they must win the last two games. It's pressure to say the least.

You writer might find yourself in a sticky situation: You may think you lack the time, the skills, and the influence to write. But just like the Cavs, you've got to take it one step at a time. How?

1) Recognize your potential through your experiences and passion to write.
2) Write at least a paragraph a day.
3) Refuse to stop.
4) Don't listen to haters and naysayers.
5) Like Lebron, get the eye of the tiger!

While the Cavalier's victory to the Eastern Championship is not certain, you can make your writing destiny a surety if you possess the passion and the confidence to see your writing go to publication. Just do it!

Cramped Up! -- Lebron James Lost

107 to 106, Magic. I can't believe it! For those of you who know about NBA basketball, this one's for you. If you're a writer, but don't know, hold tight. This message will still help you.

While I'm a Spurs fan, I really want to see Lebron James and his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA championship this year. He's seems to be a good guy and he's an awesome player. Unfortunately Lebron got cramped up, although he still had a stellar performance. Nevertheless, his performance wasn't good enough to beat the opposing team, the Orlando Magic.

Despite his team's win, the Orlando Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy said of Lebron, "We don't know what to do with him." In other words, although Van Grundy's team won the first game, Lebron is still a force to be reckoned with. But if Lebron is such a good player, then why did his team lose the first game? When asked how his Orlando Magic team won the game, Van Grundy answered this question in one word, "Resilience."

Resilience is the ability to keep fighting regardless of the situation.

As a writer, this is what you need to see your work become published. You can't get cramped up and stop writing. You've got to keep fighting despite writer's block, despite rejection, and despite the changes that life brings. Your fight will eventually defeat your obstacles and you will come out victorious.

My hope for Lebron James is that he will take care of his cramps and win the game tonight!

Go Cavs!