I wrote my first story in Mrs. Brosnan’s class in first grade. It was about Enormous the frog. He was an adventure frog and not a sissy frog but he rocked some serious red nail polish. At least that is when my mother decided I was a writer. Hi mom.
For me being a story teller was second nature. I found that my imaginative skills were of great use in trying to get out of trouble, especially in High School when I missed a class. But being a great story telling is not the same as being a great writer. Storytelling is easy and you make the rules up as you go along.
Writing is more. Much more.
Don’t get me wrong. Having a good story is really important, and I know of some great technical writers who just don’t do stories well. But a story is just the beginning of writing. You have to have good structure, good grammar, good flow, and good grief!
So even though my mother might have faith in my ability as a writer, I am not sure. I have participated in NaNoWriMo for almost 10 years now but I haven’t come even close to finishing anything and to me, that is what will make me a writer. My final story doesn’t even need to be published, just finished.
How about you? When did you decide you were a writer?
Have a great day.
Paula