Be Honest

So, you're a writer. The question isn't "are you a good writer or a bad one;" after all, when it comes right down to it that is simply a matter of taste. The real question is, "are you a Writer?" Anyone can grab a piece of paper and a pen and trace a few scribbles; that's just writing. Most people can write, but very few of them are Writers.

What makes a writer a Writer? Three simple things: dedication, hard work, and determination. Dedication: you may have a life outside writing, but without it you have no life. Hard work: you are willing to put in the tremendous effort that it requires to become technically skilled. Determination: when people tell you that your writing is no good, you work harder to prove them wrong. If you meet these three criteria, congratulations, you are a Writer.

Now that we have determined that you are a Writer, it is time to take a good hard look at yourself and your work. Be honest, are you really as good as you think? Are your writings technically sound? Are they aesthetically pleasing? Without a doubt these questions will be difficult for you to answer. It is always tempting to answer "yes." After all, not only is our writing like our children (perfect in its own way), but we also have the disadvantage of knowing what we intended.

Often when we read our own work we add in details or understandings that a fresh reader would not. We know that a comma was supposed to go here, and that Aunt Jesse's dress is blue, even though these details are not on paper. It is easy for us to miss these kinds of mistakes because we know that they were supposed to be there. In order to get a true reading of your work you must either distance yourself from your writing or give it to someone else to judge.

Judging sounds so harsh, but it is necessary to look at your writing critically. Unless you are truly, brutally honest with yourself, you can never hope to improve as a writer. That is what we all want, isn't it? In order to get published, first time writers must seem perfectly polished. A publishing company will not take a chance on a half-finished, technically unsound manuscript.

Here's an exercise that can help you. Grab a piece of paper and, with your critic's assistance, make a list of things that you need to work on. What do you struggle with (a sign that you need to practice these skills more)? What needs improvement? What, if anything, needs serious attention (put a star beside these as they will require immediate consideration)?

Draw a line down the centre of the page. On this side begin a list of what you do right. What are you good at? What makes your writing unique?

As you improve your skills, move them from the "needs work" side of the page to the "things I'm good at" column. Not only will this give you a tangible record of areas that need improvement, it will also make you feel great to move your skills from one column to the other.

Don't think of this as a negative experience. This is an opportunity that will help you become the best Writer you can be. The publishing industry can be harsh, and only your talent can insulate you.

Remember, learning only ends when you die.