Writing ability?

Question

I want to learn writing as a hobby. How do I know if I do have a talent or I am just one of the people who think they can write? Thanks

Answer 1

That is the six million dollar question for every writer on the face of the earth. The answer is that everyone has the talent to write, but most don't realize it. How to write? Ask a running coach how to run. They'll tell you to put one foot in front of the other and repeat process. What you have to do is put your arm on the tabletop and push that pen and repeat process. It's largely a matter of work, actually. Books are not written, they are re-written. Even James Michener said 'I'm really not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent re-writer'. Don't worry about whether you're good or not. Just write. If you write from the heart people will respond to it. Two more paraphrased quotes here and I'll quit, both from hemingway. "The first thing a good writer needs is a built in, hard-wired, bulletproof **** detector." And if at first folks don't respond, don't worry about it overmuch. "if you're really good and really unique, at first folks are not going to like what you write." The best advice I can give ( bearing in mind if you can tell the difference between good and bad advice you don't need advice) is to read a book by Natalie Goldberg called 'Writing Down the Bones'. That will truly answer your question. Good luck.

Answer 2

Start by keeping a journal of your own life on a daily basis.
Entries don't have to be long or particularly literate or even
that interesting. The idea is to get it going and develope
a "stream of consciousness." After a month or so, go back
and re-read it all, editing out repetitive phrases and consolidating ideas. Look at what you've written and
see if you can expand on basic thoughts, feelings or
descriptions you've entered. Think about presenting
these things in a way that would interest others if they
were reading it. Would it call upon their sympathy,
their curiosity, would they want to continue on to see
where these words would lead them? During this
initial process, you will be able to tell if it stimulates
you enough to branch out into some short stories.
Again, start with a very short story...try three or four
pages, and see if you can incorporate a main theme,
with one or two characters. Give them physical
and mental attributes, flesh out the relationship they
have with one another...and blend this into a small
vignette. ..then take a breath and read it to someone.
Did they like it? Did it make them smile, or think,
cry or want to hear more? If you
get any of these reactions, you have enough potential
to keep going. Even without this, continue in your
journal....it's a good reference for all your writing.
Read some Hemmingway. His writing was simple
and direct. A good starting point. Best of luck,
it's a joyous endeavor.

Answer 3

If you do, it will just come naturally. Just write free hand and see what you come up with. Each of us is given a talent of some kind.