Are You a Natural or Learned Writer?
I was browsing through a writing forum last night and found a discussion on whether writers believed they were born to write or whether it was something they had to work at.
Do you believe that people are born with a certain talent?
When I was five in early elementary school, the first two years, I remember a Little Golden Book my mom bought me. It was Mother Goose rhymes illustrated using Disney characters. I instantly fell in love with this book and read it so much that had the rhymes memorized.
In one of my third grade text books there was another poem I loved and again, read it so much that year I had it memorized. By the time I was in fourth grade, I started writing.
My dad’s side of the family is also very musically talented. He and all six of his sisters sing and it is something that most of their children has picked up on. I remember just listening to them play the piano as I would just listen and soak it all in. The same year I started writing, I sang my first solo in front of everyone at the church we went to. I never took voice lessons; I just listened to and observed the talented people I was surrounded by.
Years later I found out that my great-grandfather, a man I never met, was a writer and a music teacher. After that, I couldn’t help but think to myself this is why I write and sing; it’s something that runs in my family.
- My great-grandfather, Charles Case
If it’s not something that comes natural for you, but you have a strong passion for it and are willing to work hard, I believe anyone can develop the skills it takes to be great at the things they want to do in their life.
Now it’s time to hear from you. Are you a natural or learned writer? Were you born writing or is it something you initially struggled with and have had to work a little harder at it than other people might have?
Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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9 Responses to “Are You a Natural or Learned Writer?”
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Writing absolutely comes more easily to some than to others! I remember writing stories from kindergarten on. I was also a very avid reader, which definitely helps all aspects of writing. With that being said, anyone can put in the hard work necessary to succeed as a writer even if it does not come naturally, but his or her passion would have to be great; otherwise, I imagine that it would become more tedious and difficult than inspiring and enjoyable.
Twitter: crystaljcase
says:
Michelle,
I’m with you! I know for me personally, I would much rather do things because I actually enjoy them rather than do things because I feel like I have to.
I would have to say that I am a natural writer. I would also have to say that everyone is born a natural writer.
God gives to all equally. But it is the press of life circumstances that make someone a writer or an NFL player or an opera singer.
In my case, life circumstances, such as my mother being a concert pianist and my love of cinema, gave me the impetus, that ‘fire in the belly’ to write. Incidentally, I also sang and acted in school plays and musicals.
But I have been through some deep water in my life as well. These life-changing experiences made all that was hidden inside me bubble to the surface in the form of writing. Writing is my catharsis.
Now, in my 60s, I can’t seem to turn off this fountain of ideas from which to choose to write about.
So, yes, I am a natural writer, but I learned my craft from living life and studying the masters of my genre, short stories.
Twitter: crystaljcase
says:
Wayne,
Is it too soon to tell you I love you?
I’m kidding but I have to tell you that I never know how to reply to you comments. I think I may be a little intimidated. Most people might not admit that, but I’m just the type of person who don’t mind boosting an ego every once in awhile. 
Thank you for inspiring me to be a better writer!
Crystal, no need to feel intimidated around me. I put my pants on just like everyone else. But I have a special love in my heart for those like you who know the beauty of music. Many of my short stories are musically-themed, such as my brand-new ebook “Slow Dancing–A Short Story” which I hope you will enjoy at Amazon.com’s Kindle Store.
Keep writing. I’m a big fan of yours.
I believe in both. I myself was a natural born writer, it comes naturally and just flows. However, I do firmly believe that if you have a desire to write, but maybe not the talent it can be learned over time.
Writing is therapy to me, and I have 2 blogs that I recently started because I had so much in my head that I had to get on the written, (or typed)page.
Twitter: crystaljcase
says:
Rebecca,
I’m so glad to see that you stopped by!
I have actually read both of your blogs and I have to say that I find the one about your experience with abuse to be very interesting and I love that you are sharing it with the world.
If you want to read Rebecca’s story, visit her at:
http://www.squidoo.com/life-story-of-a-survivor-of-domestic-violence
Twitter: GeorgeAngus
says:
Hey Crystal,
I am so fortunate to be an au natural writer. I’ve never taken a formal class in my life.
4 years ago I could not spell writer and now I are one!
George
George Angus´s last [type] ..What Downton Abbey Can Teach Us About Writing
Twitter: crystaljcase
says:
And a great one at that!
I made a visit to your blog a little bit ago and I see you’ve made some changes. I really like the ew look!