What Aspect of Writing Truly Classifies One as a Writer?
Natural Ability to Create vs Technical Ability
Someone once told me after I had applied for a writing position. The easiest part of writing is the grammar and spelling, and if you cannot get that right do not bother attempting to write. Needless to say, I did not get the job and was left feeling very perplexed. The statement had of course broken my heart and made me question my ability as a writer. It also left me angry and bitter with this question resonating in my brain. What truly classifies one as a writer?
The oxford dictionary describes a writer as the following: “a person who has written something or who writes in a particular way” or “a person who writes books, stories, or articles as a job or occupation.” Nowhere in this definition does it state; that if you are not great at spelling or grammar that you would not be considered a writer. Furthermore, almost every author out there, no matter what style of writing they produce will use an editor to ensure quality.
I am extremely creative and have the ability to dramatize all that I do, or so says anyone who has ever met me any ways. However, my spelling and grammatical style can lack, to say the least. In my opinion, that is what they make spell check for. For those like myself who are grammatically challenged there are advanced checkers to ensure quality. Although this still leaves me scratching my head and asking the same question. Am I truly classed as a writer if I need help with the technical aspect of my work? Truly it comes down to an age-old debate on; nature vs nurture. Age-of-the-sage.org discusses the human psychology controversy. “How far are human behaviours, ideas, and feelings, INNATE and how far are they all LEARNED? These issues are at the center of the ongoing nature versus nurture debate or controversy.”
If one has all the thoughts and innate ability to get them across, but needs assistance with technical aspects. If a writer produces work which they feel is valuable, can they call themselves a writer? Then there is the other half of the spectrum. If one is educated and has gained their skills by years of training and is knowledgeable on the ins and outs of the English language. Yet, contains no ability to bring forth; original ideas or thoughts, are they considered a writer?
I really do hate unresolved issues. Although I am afraid this is one that will not have a final answer. The answer like the question itself, relies on one's perception of their preconceived notion on the subject at hand. Writing like painting, singing and any other art form is beautiful, creative and spectacular on one hand, yet on the other, rule-bound and dry.
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Tanya Rusk - Tanya Rusk age 31, separated with 2 little girls, ages 3 and 5. I am a horror novelist with a book in for publication that should be ...
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