A writer is a person who earns a living by literary work. There are other definitions of the word. Who is a writer? How to become one? The article considers the opinions of professional writers.
Where do they teach writing?
Of course, a prose writer or poet can be called a person who devotes his life to creativity. But with one amendment: not all writers manage to publish their books. And so, not every one of them earns from his work. Several definitions of the word “writer” can be given. But most of them are not true.
A writer is a graduate of a literary institute. However, not all students who come to this university subsequently become screenwriters, poets, and art translators. Freshmen at the Literary Institute drive into the head the truth that a writer is not a profitable profession. Rather, unprofitable. Moreover, for many, it becomes a kind of thorns wreath.
Writer Psychotype
There are other definitions of this concept. A writer is a person whose books are published by publishers. But graduates of the literary institute and all those who understand classical prose and poetry will argue with this definition. After all, being able to create an exciting storyline does not mean being a writer. What do professional literary scholars think about this? Who do they think a true writer is?
The meaning of this word, Irina Goryunova formulated as follows: "The writer is a person with a special psychotype of thinking." According to the literary agent, through whose hands passed a myriad of brilliant and mediocre manuscripts, a person who is distinguished by a special poetic vein is able to write literary works. In addition, he must possess originality of thinking, the ability to create vivid images, and, of course, a plot that captivates readers.
The artist is fate
What abilities and character traits does a talented writer have? The meaning of this phrase is also given in the book of Goryunova. According to her, a real writer has the ability to completely immerse himself in the creative world. He lives the life of his heroes. This can lead to a mental crisis. The writer sometimes gets used to the created image so much that getting out of it is painfully painful. But even worse is not to do this. Literary activity is the essence, the air, without which a talented writer cannot live.
All of the above applies to authors of fiction. Writing non-fiction books requires a completely different approach. However, this article is about representatives of fiction. And also about those who claim this title.
Writer or graphomaniac?
There are people who cannot help writing. However, their work can not be called literary. What is graphomania? This psychiatric term refers to a painful, uncontrollable passion for creating various kinds of texts. The "works" of graphomaniacs are inexpressive, have a stereotyped character. Their creations are of no interest either to critics or to readers. Graphomania is a disease. Like other psychiatric ailments, it is subject to treatment, including medication.
In literature lessons, the teacher gives students the following tasks: "Explain the meaning of the words" talented writer "and" gifted writer "", "Formulate a definition for the term" work of art "." To the question of who the master of words is, it is customary to answer: "a person who creates works that have high literary value." However, it should be understood that creative activity begins with the ability to understand and analyze books by other authors, as well as adequately respond to criticism. A sign of graphomania is a belief in one's own genius.
Writers who do not publish
The meaning of the word "writer" we have formulated. A talented writer is a person whose work is of interest to readers and critics. But there are many cases when books were published posthumously. A gifted writer wrote "on the table." Perhaps somewhere today brilliant novels and stories of the author, who never became known to a wide circle of readers, are kept.
Who is a writer? Even a student understands the meaning of the word. "Talented writer" is a term whose meaning we also make out. However, the works of not every gifted author are taken by publishers. And precisely because, most novice authors abandon literary work. Only those for whom existence outside of literature is impossible remain.
Publishing business
If the author has talent and does not suffer from graphomania, this does not mean that his creations will be published. Publishers are commercial organizations. Their activities are aimed at making a profit. Employees of the publishing house prefer to conclude agreements with authors who create popular prose. Poems and dramaturgy are not in vogue today. Parents are reluctant to buy works for children of unknown authors, and, accordingly, publishers do not seek to publish them. But even for representatives of popular literary trends today is not easy.
To write a good novel does not mean to become a famous writer. Firstly, books today are not as demanded as, for example, thirty-forty years ago. Secondly, representatives of the publishing business prefer not to mess with novice authors.
A lot of books have been written about how to become a famous author. Who is a sought-after writer? The meaning of the phrase is revealed in the writings of authors who have gone through a thorny path into the world of modern literature. One of the books by Anne Lamott devoted this topic. The following are tips from an American writer to aspiring authors.
Impression of own work
In the book Bird after Bird, the author talks about his life and the first steps in literature. Ann Lamott admits that she does not always like what she writes. She often rereads manuscripts and is rarely quite satisfied with the result of her work. Similar sensations are familiar to all authors. Anne Lamott claims this is normal. And an experienced writer visits dissatisfaction with his own creations. It is important not to stop there and continue to work.
Is publication important?
Anne Lamott not only created a book about creative writing. She also teaches in literary courses. The creator of the book Bird after Bird convinces novice authors that it is not so important whether the work is published or not. Of course, every beginner in the literary world dreams of becoming a famous prose writer. But publication in writing does not play a major role.
Writing the truth is easier
As one of the literary heroes said: "The truth is easy and pleasant to speak." This phrase can be applied to writing. Anne Lamotte in her book convinces readers that creating a true, but interesting story is much easier than it might seem. Do not come up with incredible stories. Ordinary everyday life is what can serve as material for a brilliant book.
What to write about?
Such a question is often asked by authors who dream one day to impress publishers, and subsequently readers, with their incredible history. But a gifted personality is often in a creative stupor.
Where to start writing? Anne Lamotte answers this question. The writer claims that you need to start from childhood. She advises young authors to depict the events of early years, first impressions, observations. The book “Bird after Bird”, by the way, begins with the image of the author’s childhood.
Systematic
What is inspiration? This is a special state of mind that allows you to create works of art and literature. But it happens that inspiration leaves the author. Can we really expect its appearance? Anne Lamott states that writing is necessary every day. And, preferably, according to a strictly established schedule. Each author, regardless of experience, knows that the first two hours of his stay at a desk or computer are wasted. It’s not possible to tune into the writer's mood right away. But writing texts is a work that requires systematic organization.
Everyone can become a writer
This is convinced by Yuri Nikitin - the author of works in the genre of science fiction. He devoted the book “How to Become a Writer” to questions that are of particular interest to beginning authors.
Nikitin outlined the basic techniques taught to students at the Higher Literary Courses, refuted the view that masters were born words, and deprived the meaning of the phrase “talented writer” of a shade of mystery. According to the Russian author, everyone can learn to write, as well as acquire violin playing skills. Of course, not every musician is Paganini. But after all, Stephen King, who receives huge royalties, is not William Shakespeare.