Are you cut out to be a writer?

Summary

Rasheed Hooda encourages aspiring writers to follow their passion and ignore naysayers, emphasizing that the desire to write is proof of one's ability to do so.

Abstract

The article "Are you cut out to be a writer?" by Rasheed Hooda, a published author and contributor to ILLUMINATION on Medium, addresses the common doubts and external criticism faced by writers. Hooda recounts his own journey from writing a note in the early 1990s to publishing a book in 2015, inspired by Linda Caroll's advice to disregard those who discourage one's writing aspirations. He asserts that writing is accessible to anyone with the desire to do so, advocating for consistent practice and the exploration of any topic as a means to improve one's craft. Hooda views writing as a divine gift and a responsibility to share with the world, urging writers to embrace their desires and not be deterred by others' opinions. The article is featured in "A Few Words," a Medium publication that accepts concise stories, and invites like-minded individuals to contribute.

Opinions

Writing is a natural ability for those who possess the desire to write.
The act of writing is not limited by subject matter; one can write about anything.
Excuses about not knowing what to write are seen as self-deception rather than a genuine obstacle.
The more one writes, the better they become, emphasizing the importance of practice.
A writer's responsibility is to share their gift with the world, and neglecting this duty is a disservice to oneself and others.
The desire to write is likened to a divine gift, described as "de-sire," or a gift from a higher power.
Effective, powerful, and persuasive writing can be learned over time, suggesting that skill can be developed alongside natural talent.
Writers should not let others dictate their success or passion, but rather define it for themselves.
The article encourages writers to contribute to "A Few Words" on Medium, fostering a community of supportive writers.

Here is one sure-fire way to know.

I have a Dream: Photo & Note by Rasheed Hooda.

I wrote that note sometime in the early 1990s.

I published my book in 2015.

That was inspiration enough for me to jump on to my laptop to add my two cents worth.

“The desire to do it is proof that you have within you the power which can do it.” ~ Wallace D Wattles

Do you want to be a writer? Then write. It doesn’t matter what you write. Just write. (Cue in the Nike commercial)

Do you see what I am doing here? I am writing because of something I read with which I agree. Writing is easy if you have a desire to write.

What to write is never an issue. It could be an excuse one uses to fool themselves, but never an issue. You can write about anything and everything you want. News, politics, sports, weather; they’re all game.

Did you argue with your boss or your spouse? Write about it, or your feelings about the argument. You don’t have to put everything you write out into the world, but you can write, nonetheless. The more you write, the better you get. Writers write. Period. End of Story.

You may have to learn how to write effectively, or powerfully, or persuasively. But you can write because you have a desire to write. The desire to do it is proof that you can.

I love the word desire. When you break it down, it is de-sire, of the Father. A desire is a gift to you, and through you, to the rest of the world.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you desire to do. It is not only your right, but it is also your responsibility. You have been entrusted with a gift that you must deliver to the world. Otherwise, not only are you shortchanging yourself, you are robbing the world of a precious gift.

So, Go You! You’ve got this.

Rasheed Hooda is a published author and a regular contributor to ILLUMINATION, a writers’ community on Medium where writers support each other.

He is a self-proclaimed weirdo who lives a Freedom Lifestyle and writes about related topics — Travel (a top writer), Personal Growth, Freedom, and entrepreneurship. (Get the Newsletter)

“You can let others tell you what it means to be successful, or you can decide it for yourself.”

Writing

Are you cut out to be a writer?

Here is one sure-fire way to know.

This story is published in a Few Words, Medium’s publication that only accepts stories under 500 words.

If you have a few meaningful words to say and want to be a writer in our publication, visit here.