February 28, 2007
Are You a Writer? 7 Traits that Writers Have in Common
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 1:28 pm
Bloggers and Writers
Lately I’ve noticed a number of bloggers who draw a line between themselves and the word writer. I already knew a number of writers who do that as well. That word writer seems to be one that can take years to claim.
When I investigate why this is so, the answers are intangible. The idea, writer, seems to fall into a category with ideas like success. Every person is struggling to find a meaning that makes sense. It’s not about money. It’s not about volume of work. It’s about meeting a self-defined goal of becoming a writer.
Becoming a writer — that resonates with every writer I know.
People ask me how I knew I was, how I know I am, a writer.
Let’s talk about writers I know.
Are You a Writer? 7 Traits that Writers Have in Common
Naturally, if the idea of a writer is self-defined, I can’t tell you when you will feel that you can call yourself a writer. However, I can tell you a few things about writers that seem to be true about writers — from every first grader I taught to every great writer I’ve ever researched.
- A writer is a paradox of ego and self-doubt. We need both to keep on task and to keep in control. Knowing oneself is the only way to invest in the work and still be able to let go when it’s time to stand back and revise it.
- Writers often start out feeling like an imposter. The message we’re told is that the writing is strong and compelling, or well on its way, but we think the messenger could be mistaken.
- Writers get lost if they compare themselves and their work to other writers. The same is true if they write for approval.
- Even the most inexperienced writer knows when the writing is wonderful. The problem is that we have to learn how to tell when the writing is not good and how to have the courage to fix it.
- Writer’s block is fear, or exhaustion, or both. It can be managed if we know its source.
- Every writer is in a self-actualizing process. Writing is an apprenticeship. A writer is always becoming a writer.
- Nothing in life can prepare you to be a writer, except everything in your life.
I would say the best advice is to paraphrase Troy Worman. “Don’t wait for permission to be a writer.”
Every day I write, I learn something about myself and other people.
How do I know I’m a writer?
Try as I might to avoid it, I simply must write.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related
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Love at First Write: 5 +1 Steps to Your Authentic Writing Voice
Why Dave Barry and Liz Don’t Get Writer’s Block
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157 Comments to “Are You a Writer? 7 Traits that Writers Have in Common”
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Whitney said
The distinction doesn’t stop between bloggers and writers. In the technical writing community, I’ve consistently run into people who paint themselves with one or the other of two broad brushes: they either identify themselves as a “writer” or as a “technical writer”.
I’ve observed the same pattern with folks in marketing. They either identify themselves as a “copywriter” (or a “marketing writer”, though less frequently) or as a “writer”.
After the first two or three people I met who did this, I started asking nosy questions of new people I met. Those who identified themselves as “[modifier here] writer” either said they did so as a reflection of how involved they were in their chosen field, or as a reflection of the fact that they went to work each day, “did the writing thing” for 8 or 9 hours, then went home and did something altogether different.
Those who identified themselves as “writer” said they did so as a reflection of the multiple facets to their writing. They wrote for a living. They wrote on the side…for free or for pay. They journaled. They were writing novels, screenplays, or poetry in their favorite writing spot. They were very reluctant to be associated with “only one kind of writing.”
It probably ties in with your #6.
ME Strauss said
Hi Whitney,
It seems that you’ve been watching writers as much as I have. We are a curious and fascinating group. Though we do the same thing, or folks might say so, like all involved in creative intangibles, we are highly individual and self-defining.
Maybe writers are even moreso because of the nature of our work with words. But my heart says that it’s the same for actors, designers, painters, and all who take ideas from their head to make them real.
Char said
Liz - this is so coincidental! I had a post sketched out yesterday that I didn’t finish called - “I am NOT a writer”. I consider myself to be a blogger who likes to teach, share, and inform, but I can not categorize myself as a writer yet.
ME Strauss said
Hi Char!
That idea seems to be in the air right now! We, bloggers, are developing a virtual hive mind.
Char said
Would that be a b5 hive?
ME Strauss said
Well, Char, I suppose if we have to name it, better that than the BORG.
Chris Cree said
Interesting that none of your chosen 7 traits involve earning income through writing.
I’ve wanted to be a writer for a long time but felt I needed some significant practice before I’d be able to earn a decent living at it.
Blogging has been the perfect venue for me to develop my writing skill. The constant feed back of visitor stats and comments has been a big enough carrot to keep me going while I learn.
Mike said
Hi Liz,
Substitute the word ‘commenter’ for ‘writer’, and I see myself in that picture!
I think point 3 is particularly important, and I really have to guard against doing either of those things. Looking at my posts as gifts keeps me from doing that, although I’m not all the way there yet…
Mike
Robert Hruzek said
OK, this is starting to get weird, y’all! Everywhere I turn, I keep getting confronted with “are you a writer?” posts, stories, etc. Now cut that out! :O
Thanks, Liz, great summary! I’ve been getting this strange feeling lately that I really AM a writer… (hmmm, wonder if there’s a pill for that?) You nailed me with every one of your points! But… now what?
I’m much like Chris in his post on blogging for money, except replace “blogging” with “writing”.
Not that I’m in it for the money, mind you. I happen to like my current job. But, like Chris, I would like to “see where it leads”, write a book, etc. one day.
Whitney said
Liz — The other creative types do make distinctions in their corners of the creative arena. Actors seem to make the distinction between “film actors”, “theatre actors” and “TV actors” (even, more recently, “indie actors”). Painters make the distinction between, say, oil painting or watercolors. Sculptors seem adverse to “getting mixed in with the pottery types” (if my neighbor is any indication). A reflection perhaps of what it is you need to have inside of you to be able to do really well at one area…and perhaps a significant commentary if you’re a rare type who can do well at multiple areas (e.g., Helen Mirren who is known for being equally good on stage, on the big screen, and on the small screen).
Chris — I don’t think earning income is necessary for (some) writers to feel like writers…at least that’s not the case in the circle of die-hards that I’m in with. We write because something within us HAS to. Being able to earn income from it — well, that just gets the rest of the world to get off our backs and to stop regarding us as anything from goof-offs to hopeless dreamers.
ME Strauss said
Chris and Robert,
It seems that I can talk to you both.
Like I said in the post, being a writer is not about whether you make money. It’s about whether you are a writer.
Writing is like playing the guitar or any other skill/art, we need to practice.
Now, about the money, if you want to make money. It helps if you ARE a writer. What do I mean that? That you’re in both feet — not am I a writer? am I not? I am a writer, each day getting better.
Then it’s all about learning everything you can from every teacher you can find, and marketing your services, just as a painter or a landscaper.
The key is to know you are writer, because then you will self-expressed when start talking about what do to those who might be willing to pay for it. And now it’s to all of the branding and marketing and deciding who you want to write for.
ME Strauss said
Oh Whitney!
I love this sentence . . . well, that just gets the rest of the world to get off our backs and to stop regarding us as anything from goof-offs to hopeless dreamers.
I’d only that the money is also to pay the rent and eat.
Lisa said
Liz! Thanks for the post and the email. This conversation came up exactly yesterday with a client: “When will it be okay to claim that you’re a writer?” “What’s missing?”
As I’ve also been an actor, everyone of those 7 traits apply to that domain as well. Because both professions can be performed with incredible artistry by folks without training and/or degrees, because mastery is somewhat ephemeral, a constantly moving target, I think we resist claiming and naming our talent.
The funny thing is, all kinds of magical things happen when you stake a claim…
Yummy post.
Lisa
Mike said
I’m posting this comment in hopes that it will allow my previous one to appear and Chris to snicker at me!
Chris Cree said
Oh. I’m snickering. “Commenter” Mike indeed!
Whitney, it seems like many of those folks are simply niching what they do well. Of course we can be arrogant about our niches sometimes…
Liz, I’m not hung up on the money thing. (Obviously
) It just surprised me that “professional” didn’t make the top 7.
Chris Cree said
Oh! And Lisa… This post made my head hurt. Way too technical for me. I agree with you about it sounding like so many diseases, though!
ME Strauss said
Hi Lisa!
I agree about how the traits really are traits of all of the creative arts. I love you “name it and claim it.” Excellent!
ME Strauss said
Well, Chris about the money.
Van Gogh didn’t really make any.
ME Strauss said
Mike,
Whew! I’m glad that you and Chris know about that comment. I was worried I deleted it.
Lisa said
Van Gogh should have sold his ear. On ebay.
Lisa said
Uh oh. It’s turning into open mic day.
Chris Cree said
Yeah. And my recollection is a little fuzzy, but wasn’t he one of those “brilliant but affected” artists?
I’d like to dodge that kind of an ending if I could. I’m just saying.
Mike said
Hey,
I have a piece of dried fruit that looks just like Van Gogh’s severed ear; I’m headin’ over to eBay now!
Mike
Mark Goodyear said
Liz, I didn’t start calling myself a writer until I met Tim O’Brien. I chatted with him while he smoked a cigarette and complained about the traffic in Austin.
He said he takes five years to write each book. He also spends the first year writing whatever he wants “to find the story and the characters.” I figured, heck, anyone can write a book in five years. And I did. Will it get published? I don’t really care.
Writing is something I do. Does that make me a writer? Maybe. But I’m also a father, a husband, an editor, a blogger, a movie lover, a martial arts movie lover, a reader, a “foodie,” a beer lover, a Christian, an evangelical, a democrat… None of those labels contain me any more than “writer” does.
Like Walt Whitman, I contain multitudes. And so do you, Liz. So does every person reading this blog. And every person not reading it.
Good post.
Mike said
Apparently the backslash key on my keyboard isn’t working any better than my brain…
Rick Cockrum said
Looking at your list of characteristics, I would have to say I’m a writer, but I’ve never thought of myself as a writer. I write, but that’s because that’s where my skills lie. I can’t sculpt, sing, or draw, or cut a straight line with a saw. And people can’t hear me think (usually). Thought designer - what a great job description.
Michelle said
I don’t know if I’d mentioned this book before but you might enjoy The Midnight Disease by Alice Flaherty. She’s a neurosurgeon and writer and mother of twins who wrote a fascinating book on the brain and what drives writers to write. Some parts get a little technical, but the things she suggests about the creative process give writers a new view of themselves and their craft.
Lisa said
Mike, LOL!
And now, dear so-called writers, I can’t take any more frivolity. I have to go be serious now. And write. Or get a pedicure. Since I type with my feet, it makes for prettier prose when I have nailpolish.
What to do…
BrainBasedBusiness said
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Mark Goodyear said
Whew. Sorry about the long serious post. I’m tired and lost my sense of fun.
It seems to me there is a trait missing from your list.
#8 Writers are people who put their butts in a chair and write something.
ME Strauss said
Mark,
I agree with you completely. I am so many things beyond that which makes me a writer. For some reason we make that term mystical.
Whitney said
The Midnight Disease is an excellent book. I even enjoyed the technical parts — the same ones that (I’m sad to say) cured another friend’s temporary bout with insomnia.
ME Strauss said
Rick,
Thought designer. I so like that. I think you ought to claim it. It suits well.
ME Strauss said
Michelle,
That book, Midnight Disease, sounds wonderful! Thank you for mentioning it. I’ve never heard anyone talk about it before.
Whitney, I think your review puts me on it for sure.
ME Strauss said
All of you are priceless and wonderful on this Wednesday afternoon!
David Leggett said
I enjoyed points 4 and 6 especially. I find 6 to be very true, as writing (as many other skills) is something that is constantly improving and developing.
The reason I enjoyed point 4 was because of the choice of words at the end.
“…to have the courage fix it.”
That really makes it stick out to me. I guess I have never looked at improving writing as a courageous act before, but after reading this it seems to be a perfect fit for the task =)
ME Strauss said
Hi David!
That line about courage is about letting go and caring at the same time. It’s about staying at it when we’re mad or unhappy and believing in the work instead of ourselves. Like you, I’m not sure I can explain, To me also it just felt exactly right.
Troy Worman said
Wow! Thanks for the props!
ME Strauss said
Troy, I’ve always admired that saying of yours and I so fully believe in it that I was delighted to be able to use it.
You’re welcome, with a big smile.
Troy Worman said
What distinguishes a blogger from a writer?
Writers write. Playwrights write plays. Screen writers write screenplays. Essayists write essays. Novelists write novels. Journalists write articles. Journalers write journals.
Bloggers blog. Bloggers post. Bloggers post images. Bloggers post text. Bloggers write text. Bloggers write posts. Bloggers write essays. Bloggers write recipes. Bloggers write jokes.
Comedians write jokes. What distinguishes a comedian from a writer? Some comedians are writers. Some writers are humorists. Some humorists are satirists. Some satirists are philosophers. Some bloggers are philosophers. Some bloggers are lawyers. Some bloggers are librarians. Some bloggers are achedemics.
The question of what distinguishes a blogger from a writer is achedemic.
But the question of what distinguishes the blogosphere from any other collection of writings is not achedemic.
In the future, some bloggers may be considered writers or not, but the collective works of the blogosphere, like no other collection of writings, will define these times.
Of course, they won’t be read. They’ll just be firewired directly into our children’s children’s noggins.
B=L=O=G » On Bloggers and Writers said
[...] [In response to: Are You a Writer? by Liz Strauss]. [...]
ME Strauss said
Yes Troy,
And What distinguish Troy from Liz?
JohnC said
Do we really need an answer? Must we dissect and digest our own fluids to know our own tastes and strengths?
…that was icky, wasn’t it.
In the beginning, we all blogged. That sounds so much like hurling, it’s honest. Shortly, we learned to become our own adjutants out of need, later out of respect to ourselves…nobody does it better.
There is no writing, there is no blogging, there is no between betwixt beneath before beyond! There is creation. There is ingestion. There is the soul fed…or in some cases immediately purged.
It cannot be explained. It is what it is.
On another note, VG couldn’t sell his ear on eBay…didn’t he send it to the object of his madness?
(Geez Liz…man did you cause a bunch of skid marks on the internet tonight. Kudos)
ME Strauss said
Well, JohnC
That’s the service I provide. Tell where else would you get such an interesting dicussuon in such a very short time?
JohnC said
Nowhere. I just canceled my Starz subscription before it interfered with following you.
ME Strauss said
YEA! JohnC. I applaud your choice. Starz has reruns. We have all original shennanigans.
Renée said
Good evening Liz and everyone,
Thank you for writing this post and all the commentors contribute to it. After reading, it helps clear some of my doubts of what defines a writer.
For years and even until this day, I’ve problems labeling myself as a writer even though I’ve written a few manuscripts and only one got published. It’s a problem that is so deeply rooted or hardwired in me. I was very fortunate to meet two great editors who were willingly to work with me and put up with my gibberish craft. They transformed my work so beautifully that I couldn’t imagine myself writing to that standard even I dedicate my entire life to it…maybe I could if I get to live up to 200 years old.
It was a scary transition for me from “writer” to blogger because everyone gets to see my craft without the help of editors. As a blogger, I’m consistently challenging myself to write well. God knows that I really try.
That brings me to one point (maybe #3) why I’ve difficulties defining myself as a writer. I can’t write fast and well like many great bloggers, professional writers, and journalists I know of. I thought I could get better at it over the years—it’s slightly better now but still a long way to go (#6). That’s why I have great respect for those who can—churning out great prose day after day.
My favorite of the 7 traits is #7.
Sorry for the lengthy comment, Liz
ME Strauss said
Hi Renée!
I cherish word that you said. Your words are the reason that I wrote this piece in the first place. I worried about every idea that I put into it, because I’ve known too many wonderful writers who were convinced that for whatever reasons they weren’t yet writers. Baloney! Phooey! Balderdash!!!!!
Renée you connect words and thoughts beautifully. What you wrote in the comment box just above moved me. It made me feel like I was right and good for having written today.
How could you think that you are not a writer ever again when you can pruduce that kind of reaction from someone who reads what you write? You can’t.
GP said
write on liz!
I think the word “writer” has people thinking … naaah, not me, that ’s some “elusive title” that I havent yet earned. For me , like others, the blogging has helped my writing… but I’ve loved to write since I was a kid.
Now for me it’s “dreamweaving”
Thanx for listening… did you hear that van gogh-philes :)?
GP in Montana
Renée said
I hate it when you make me cry.
Liz, you’ve always been very kind and understanding to me. I appreciate it greatly.
Can’t talk much now, need to get more kleenex!!!
ME Strauss said
Hi GP!
Sorry I was writing the recap and missed coming in. Thank for helping me out here.
I agree with how you describe the way people think that they must not be writers. I know that Van Gogh thought he wasn’t a writer.
ME Strauss said
Renée,
You know I oly tell what I see. It’s in blog posts. It’s in my comment box. That’s what I see. That’s what I believe.
Chris Cree said
Between Troy and John my head’s spinning. I need to go sleep this one off. Too much deepness!
ME Strauss said
Chris,
You are getting very sleepy. . . .
Lisa said
LIZ, if this goes on all night, your post will reach open mic stats.
Love, love, love the deep waters. What a fun ride.
You are ALL writers!
ME Strauss said
Lisa,
A good blog post deserves tending and good blog readers deserve bartending. What’ll you be having tonight?
Lisa said
gahd, do I need a scotch on the rocks or what? isn’t that the writer’s drink?
ME Strauss said
It sure sounds like writer’s drink to me.
here you go.
Have delicious nachos. We make our own chips and salsa you know.
JohnC said
::Hellboy Voiceover:: Mmmm…Nachos.
ME Strauss said
Down, Hellboy, Down.
Good, Hellboy. Here’s your nachos.
Francie said
My goodness - what a great topic and discussion. So relatable. I am a writer! But, like others it took me a while before I truly believed it myself.
Even though I wrote all sorts of creative marketing materials and proposals for work, that was just work. Then, I began writing reflections and creative nonfiction and being brave enough to share it with friends and family. But, that was just fun.
Finally, I stepped up and put myself out there to write for publication - a byline, my name in print. Then, it was confirmed I was a writer! (a writer who evidently needed external sources to validate her)
Last year, I was in Border’s sitting with my coffee, a stack of books/mags and a notebook. A woman sat by me, struck up a conversation, and asked me if I was a writer. I answered, then without hesitation, “Yes, I am!” I think that pleased me even more than seeing my name in print.
How did she know? Well, guessing the books, coffee and notebook might have been clues, but I prefer to think it is something I carry with me now and it eminates - internal validation finally. (long comment, but more than likely acceptable when one is writing about being a WRITER :)) Thanks for letting me share.
ME Strauss said
Francie,
What a great story. I liked how you stopped yourself and said (a writer who needed validation), knowing as you must that an hour before you got those clips you were as good, strong, and effective a writer as you were after you got them.
Yeah, it’s good feeling to claim the word and know that it fits. “Finding our feet.”
Ankakay said
Great thoughts and summary, Liz
I have always considered myself a writer, in my heart/mind/soul. I am also ‘compelled’ to let the words out, and craft them in my own unique (and sometimes crazy? - there’s the self-doubt you mentioned!
) way.
I’m ‘using’ (it sounds so ‘cheap’!
) my ‘blog’ as a way to ‘let my words out’ after having kept a leash on them for awhile (for ‘crazy’ reasons 
)… it just didn’t(/doesn’t!) help to keep the words in…
Thank you for writing this… it was much food for thought; I love your style
Peace,
~Ank
Check it out! » Expired Convictions said
[...] Liz Strauss, writer and businesswoman extraordinaire (over at Letting me be, one of her many fantastic sites!) and I apparently share similar taste in photography… [...]
ME Strauss said
Hi Ankakay,
Welcome!I don’t remember a great deal of conflict over calling myself a writer. To me it was more curiosity, as in when will it fill as if I have grown into this suit of clothes. Once I showed my work to a professor tn college — only one piece — he told me it wasn’t good. I can’t remember why he said, but to this day it stand in my as of the best pieces I have ever written.
It was the piece that when I wrote I thought “oh my I am a real writer.”
I guess some of us, at least this one of us, recognize ourselved in our work.
Mike said
GP - Message received!
ME Strauss said
Mike,
You can’t believe how glad I am you didn’t say that you heard what GP said about van gogh philes.
Mike said
GP’s last line was either the longest shot coincidence in history, or an easter egg letting me know that at least one other person had listened to my podcast.
ME Strauss said
gp is very clever like that. I wonder whether she’ll let us in on the secret.
Mike said
I’ll guess we’ll have to wait and see…
ME Strauss said
Hi Mike,
it’s the waiting that makes us all crazy. Mahahahahahaha!
Mike said
I’m already there! How else could I have seen that message (makes circular motion next to ear)?
ME Strauss said
Mike,
Code word: Montana
Mike said
No, Liz, It’s got to be something obscure, like ‘Billy Ray Cyrus’!
ME Strauss said
Code word: BillRay
Lisa said
Just following up on this mind bogglingly busy post to find you all still at it. Liz you do light a fire…thank you.
So, I thought I’d continue the discussion over at my place. Come over to find out what writing and brain surgery have in common.
yuk yuk yuk
GP said
greetings from montana liz, billray and all. Sorry for the late check-in, we had late check-outs.:)
And for the record, to coin Kelsey Grammer from Frazier… “I’m listening”… while writing of course!!!
GP in Montana
ME Strauss said
Hey GP,
So are you going to reveal the secret of the billray podast knowledge?
Mike said
Oh, great! I get a secret codename, but no answers!!
BillRay
Chris Cree said
That’s all we need! Some folks around here using Cooode naaaames.
Sheesh!
Chris Cree said
OK, That link’s messed up. Try this one instead. (Not quite the effect I was looking for but, hey.)
Mike said
Apparently easter is coming early this year!
Chris, that was beautiful, man. Much better than solid gold.
ME Strauss said
I think I’m getting confused again. I’ve started at this thread for 15 minutes and don’t know what it says .
I need to write a post on the 7 traits of being a reader. I think I might not be one.
Mike said
Liz,
Mea culpa! This is the worst comment threadjacking of my lustrious career.
Please accept my humble apologies, but you did make the first Van Gogh remark!
BillRay
ME Strauss said
Mike,
My Van Gogh statement was in context and in respeonse to Chris’ worry about writer’s needing to make money.
Your argument that I started — why do BOYS go there? — Doesn’t hold water.
BillRay said
It’s our genetically churlish nature!
ME Strauss said
BILLRAY! Where did you come from? I though you were dead!!! This is spooky.
Is this blog haunted?
Mark Goodyear said
OK. I subscribed to this thread. And I’m really confused. Can someone explain all of this on a blog post somewhere?
ME Strauss said
Mark,
I’m afraid we’re going to have to hold Chris, Mike and Lisa after blog and give them a talking to .
Shawna R. B. Atteberry said
I greatly resemble all of those traits. Geez, I wish I would have come into this conversation earlier!
GP said
GP checking in again… not ONLY have hold them over blog, but make them write on the chalkboard (there’s that word again.. .WRITE) “I will not threadjack again” 50 times..
GP in Montana who in her ultrarunning days had the coooode name, grasshopper. Code names.. hmmmm maybe we should lower the “cone of silence” first
Edmund said
GP,
That “cone of silence” comment is going to drive poor Mark over the edge!
Edmund
ME Strauss said
You guys are silly
GP and Mark,
let’s give them a break. Code name: Billray and send them howm with a scare.
Chris Cree said
Threadjacking?! Well I never!
I mean writers use code names all the time. They just have a fancy code name for it. Say they are using a pseudonym.
Obviously very much on topic!
ME Strauss said
Chris [Liz whispers] I think it was ther ear thing that actually qualified the rest as threadjacking.]
BillRay said
Which YOU started, Liz! And I’m extremely perturbed that my comments are being expunged!
BillRay said
And thanks again to GP for inspiring this madness! Sorry Mark, and whoever else subscribed to this thread and got completely confused.
Chris, at least two snickering opportunities are hanging out there…
ME Strauss said
Now BillRay,
Thank you for upholding our one rule — be nice.
Playing is fine and fun and threadjacking is even allowed. Shakespeare was a great believer in comic relief. I’m with him on that issue. You might have Mike D., he’s into irreverent productivity. I am too.
But if we’re gonna snicker — folks readin’ gotta know we’re not snickerin’ about them OR in another case, that we’re not having candy bars without sharing
That jist woonen be right. And it would break the “be nice” rule.
So snickers for everyone, I say!!!
BillRay said
Sorry. I guess those missing comments are trapped in some IP node in the Bermuda Triangle.
TTFN
ME Strauss said
What missing comment?
Mark Goodyear said
BillRay, I’m thinking you qualify as Falstaff for sure.
To make this relevent, would Falstaff be a truly unique blog…? What other characters and historical figures could we compare to blogs to gauge their uniqueness.
If Lincoln were a blog…
If Ghandi were a blog…
If Queen Elizabeth I were a blog…
If Buddha were a blog…
If Jesus were a blog…
ME Strauss said
Hi Mark!
I think BillRay is a ghost. He might live in the Bermuda Triangle. I’m with he definitely qualifies as a blog.
Mike said
Mark,
I’m thinking Niccolo Machiavelli. Despite his bad reputation, he was a most keen observer of all things, and I think he’d be fun to read.
Mike
ME Strauss said
Hi Mark,
It’s funny you bring him up here. I was ust talking about him on another post. Darned if I can find it, though. Peronally, I think Mr. M. gets boring once you get a sense of his point of view.
Mark Goodyear said
Ooh. Good one, Mike. And that’s not on Liz’s original list either. You know you are a writer if you have fun when you are writing! I have fun when I’m editing (it’s sick, I know), but it must mean I’m more editor than writer.
Mark Goodyear said
Liz, I love the intentional ambiguity. Does she mean Mr. Mike or Mr. Mach? Which one is the real prince. I’ll stop now. Gotta edit.
ME Strauss said
Mark,
Who are you calling sick. I love to get lethal editing.
And for a good guy you’re in a mischievous mood today. Maybe Mike and I need to keep an eye on YOU.
Mike said
Liz,
I’m on it already!
Mike
ME Strauss said
Mike,
I’m already singing the theme song to “Mighty Mouse.”
Here he comes to save the day . . .
Mike said
Absolutely loved that show! And I can remember when they cut into it to report the Kennedy shooting…my mother and I cried for different reasons.
ME Strauss said
Mike,
That comment, #110, is a short story written by an excellent writer. The last sentence says so much.
Mike said
Thank you, Liz. It’s one of the few vivid memories I have from when I was 4.
ME Strauss said
Hi Mike,
Seeing your mom cray would get your 4-year-old attention. Yeah.
Chris Cree said
My question is this: Does BillMikeRay have to actually do anything to pay the bills? Or is he now a professional commenter?
Lisa said
Chris, you’re hilarious. I just checked back here after a 24-hour absence. Have any of you guys gotten outta your pajamas in the past three days?
Mike, I think Liz is right. A great short story idea just got born.
ME Strauss said
Hi Chris!
I think Mike and BillRay are both being paid by my brothers. You are too aren’tcha?
In fact I suspect this entire thread is subsized, because I tried to call my brother last weekend.
ME Strauss said
Hi Lis1!
I was thinking I’d just edit a word or two and let the somment stand AS the short (albeit very short) story.
I still love that last sentence.
Mike said
Chris,
I’ve been babysitting a passle of conference calls this week. Commenting has kept me (marginally) sane.
Mike
Lisa said
Liz and Mike:
In a local newspaper here (Santa Barbara) they run a short story contest: 10 words or less!
I say call it done and submit!
ME Strauss said
Hey Mike!
I think Lisa has a great idea there! Go for it!
Hey Lisa, YEA. Thank you for that — let’s make Mike a hero in Santa Barbara.
PS. Will you email me a link to your Brain/writer story? I want to use it today.
Mike said
Sorry, Lisa. It needs 21 words. Middle Zone Musings had a six word short story contest a while back. It’s harder than it looks!
Lisa said
Maybe there’s a contest for 21 words.
10 is so unappealing. 21 is oddly doable.
Liz, here comes the email.
Lisa said
21 words:
I remember when the news hijacked Mighty Mouse to report the Kennedy shooting: my mother and I cried for different reasons.
16 words:
The day Kennedy died, news interrupted Mighty Mouse. My mother and I cried for different reasons.
15 words:
“Mommy, President Kennedy is on Mighty Mouse!” My mother and I cried for different reasons.
Can’t find 10. The Haiku of Mike at 4.
ME Strauss said
Thanks, Lisa, I caught. [and got the guy out at second base]
Mighty Mouse cut! Kennedy shot. Mom cried for different reasons.
Mike said
Lisa,
You’re amazing. You nailed my 21-word version, except I used ‘pre-empted’ instead of ‘hijacked’. I like yours better.
The 15-word version captured the true spirit of the moment.
Thanks for that little writing tutorial!
Mike
ME Strauss said
That’s funny, Mike,
My 16 word version used pre-empted too.
Mike said
A Kewpie doll for Liz!
It’s interesting to see how different each of the versions of the same idea turn out! You two are true writers.
Boy, this thread has been all over the map. eh?
ME Strauss said
My how we bring out the best in each other!
Mike said
And after the trip through this thread, it’s in a BillRay and Ted sort of way!
ME Strauss said
Always good to have an adventure on a Friday!
Chris Cree said
[Looks in. Slowly shakes his head. And leaves silently.]
Mike said
[Air guitar!]
GP said
greetings on this friday’s most excellent adventure. Since when did “open mic” switch to Friday’s… It’s all an adventure… Life’s a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow… dont worry ’bout what you dont know.. life’s a dance
But i digress… i think limiting the number of words to express gives not only the proverbial “food for thought” :), but makes you cut to the chase.
Frasier has left the building
GP in Montana
ME Strauss said
Greetings GP!
The whole blogosphere has been a little unruly this week. So we just had to make it an adventure and a learning experience — that’s the best I could do.
Frasier has left the building, but not the blog,
Liz
BillRay said
Most perspicacious observation, Miss Caelifera! [air guitar!]
ME Strauss said
It’s actually, Ms. Calironia, and this is my hotel.
JohnC said
Long as it stays in the hotel, my wife won’t kick me out! I think my last email from Mike; who sells his book every week to me; had the subject of keeping things succinct.
…was that too many words for succinct?
ME Strauss said
No JohnC.
I think that was perfect!
BillRay said
I meant Caelifera.
ME Strauss said
I know Master, I was being silly.
BillRay said
Excellent! [air guitar!]
GP said
Ahem, my antennae sense a possible identity crisis greening
liz… methinks you’re more the mentor than the student; especially since I feel somewhat akin to the creature having had that nickname for so long
“When you snatch the pebble from my hand,” then it will be time for you to leave. Concentrate to achieve goal. (and it’s 21 words)!
nuff said
GP in Montana aka grasshopper
ME Strauss said
Hi GP,
I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. I’m just a poor homeless little orphan waif — a saloonkeeper’s daughter.
I was never good at that pebble snatching game. *she shrugs*
Bright Meadow » Sunday Roast: nothing says competency like invading another country said
[...] Are you a writer? I know I am, if only like, because Liz, I simply must write. It’s what I do. [...]
Mike said
I agree with GP. Liz is in permanent possession of the pebble! But she’s nice enough to show it to us a few times a day!
ME Strauss said
Hi Mike!
Thank you. I always thought that was just a rock in my shoe.
GP said
To paraphrase, “when you can run with rocks in your shoes, then you will be ready to charter Cessnas to Montana”
GP in Montana looking like she’s going to have a “pebble” week
nettie Hartsock said
Great post list! I just linked to it and wrote my own writing story!
ME Strauss said
Hi Nettie!
Welcome! I’m delighted you found it inspiring!
Wordie said
A blogger is just a writer that’s been “webified” (www.addictionary.org). Blogger, writer, it’s all about the innate desire to express your thoughts…and the courage to share them. The web has simply given many writers a new found courage to share.
ME Strauss said
Hi Wordie!
Welcome!
I can’t disagree with the thought that all bloggers are folks who writers, if they claim the word. I know I think that bloggers are writers too. But with any self-defined term, it’s what each blogger thinks.
QMusings » Blog Archive » I’m A Writer - Are You? said
[...] I like this advice I found at Successful Blog: “Don’t wait for permission to be a writer.” [...]
And the Nobel Prize for Literature Goes to… | Middle Zone Musings said
[...] In the spirit of giving credit where it’s due, I blame Liz Strauss. Ever since she wrote 7 Traits that Writers Have in Common (this post has 152 comments – how does she do that? I’m not jealous, Liz. Really. I am awed!), I discovered that if these are the common traits of writers, then by gosh, I must be one! How did that happen? (Once again, echoes of yesterday’s post.) [...]
NettieHartsock.com » To Write or Not To Write said
[...] on the problem that both bloggers and writers struggle with in regard to when they are really “writers.” Liz listed 7 traits that all writers have in common and many of them resonated with me as [...]
7 Ways to Become a Writer said
[...] 7 Ways to Become a Writer “Every writer is in a self-actualizing process. Writing is an apprenticeship. A writer is always becoming a writer.” Liz Strauss [...]
Worderella Writes » Top Seven Traits said
[...] Article found at http://www.successful-blog.com/1/are-you-a-writer-7-traits-that-writers-have-in-common/. [...]
My Writing Illusion | Bill Riddell said
[...] thing that helped me was Liz Strauss of Succsesful-Blog.com - her 7 Traits That Writers Have In Common crystaliesd my thoughts and re-affirmed that I was on the right [...]