One of the odd things about being a writer is that you never reach a point of certainty, a point of mastery where you can say, 'Right. Now I understand how this is done.'
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
As a writer, you need a strong sense of self-belief. And when it comes to writing, I've always had that.
My father told us all the time: to become a good writer takes writing. Because the more you do it, the better you get at it. It's like bull-riding. You can't do it once, you know. You've got to practice it and practice it.
When you combine something to say with the skill to say it properly, then you've got a good writer.
Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.
One of the ironies of being a professional writer is that, if you are even moderately successful, the very traits that let you succeed as a writer are not much help when the time comes to head out as 'The Author.'
Being a writer is not the point. Writing is.
Writing is communication, and you don't know how you're doing until you put it in front of someone else's eyes. You also learn from critiquing other writers' work.
I think you become a writer when you stop writing for yourself or your teachers and start thinking about readers.
If you want to be a writer, just write. There's no magic to it.
The great thing about being a writer is that you have a long, perhaps frighteningly long time in which to do your work.