10 Questions That Reveal You Have What It Takes to Be a Writer

How our dreams, doubts, and fears lead us in the right direction

There’s no getting around it.

Writers are an eclectic group of optimistic creatives, enthusiastic souls, and incessant doubters. And it’s that last trait that keeps many of us awake at night, questioning our chosen path.

On those days when our stories reach a dead end, or our characters have nothing else to talk about, or we receive another handful of rejections, it’s tempting to give it all up and apply for a cashier job at Home Depot.

But before you cut your dream loose, it may be time to take a step back and do a personal assessment.

Because you’re not alone in the often confusing and occasionally disappointing journey of writing. On more days than I care to count, I’ve noticed my mind slipping into an unpleasant, negative mood — not the ideal mental environment for writing unless the article, story, or book slants toward the dark and depressing.

In an effort to break my dreary emotional state, I’ll try all the usual tricks — exercising, cleaning the house, trimming the bushes, and walking around the block in endless circles. But last week, nothing was working, and I finally decided to face the truth — head-on.

What made me think I have what it takes to be a writer?

That single question pushed all my doubt and uncertainty to center stage, resulting in an onslaught of internal dialogue. And now, I couldn’t ignore all the unanswered queries begging for resolution. It was time to escape my personal purgatory of insecurity and skepticism.

Here are 10 questions that helped me find a sense of clarity — and restore purpose and reason to my writing. If you’ve ever doubted your ability as a wordsmith (and who hasn’t?), you may want to give yourself a short test:

1. When you’re not writing, are you thinking about writing?

I’m guilty as charged.

The only time I’m not thinking about writing is when the toilet overflows, or a tornado rips the roof off the house, or the dog decides to eat my new shoes for lunch.

2. When you are writing, do you think about anything else?

The ability to remain focused on our work is a skill developed after mastering the art of eliminating intrusions.

This typically includes turning off the phone and distancing ourselves from friends, loved ones, and business associates. It also means telling the take-out delivery person not to ring the bell — and leave the food in the cooler outside the door.

3. Who is allowed to interrupt you when you’re in your writing zone?

This one’s tough because we all have people who hold a priority in our lives.

To establish an understanding of the situation, my husband and I worked out a few hand signals that give both of us an indication when it’s safe to approach or communicate directly.

Here’s how it works in our home:

One finger: “Hold that thought.”

Two fingers: “Give me a minute to finish this sentence.”

Three fingers: “Wait a sec, I’m almost done with my final edit.”

Four fingers: “Don’t say anything, I need to get this down before I forget.”

Five fingers: “It’s best if you leave the room.”

Fully closed fist: “Stop talking or someone is going to get hurt.”

4. Do you have so many ideas in your head you become dizzy?

Okay, it’s possible that light-headed feeling is from being in the sun too long, or finishing off that bottle of wine because the little bit that was left looked so lonely.

Or potentially, your brain is swimming with really good stuff — and it’s time to sit down and write.

5. Do you panic when writer’s block hits?

It’s a common condition.

Personally, I’ve finally come to terms with the beast, and I no longer resist a blank screen. In fact, I’ve learned to welcome the gray void, because it means all those thoughts, concepts, and stories have found a great place to hide out, and eventually, they’ll overflow and deluge my brain with an attention-grabbing hell-storm of ideas and story-lines — but only when they’re good and ready.

6. Do you talk to yourself, a lot?

There are many ways writers get their thoughts out in the open.

Aside from typing words as quickly as possible, we often engage in autonomous discussions — a discourse strictly between ourselves. Sometimes it’s necessary to keep our sanity, especially when a new character decides to make an appearance.

As a suggestion, take advantage of that urge to hold a conversation with yourself by turning on a recorder. And you may want to close the door. Some of those resulting dialogues can become very interesting — not to mention confusing to those in the next room.

7. When others ask what you do, do you hesitate or proudly proclaim you’re a writer?

That momentary pause may be a clue you haven’t yet decided who you are, and have put off making a commitment to your craft.

If writing is truly a part of your identity, try this the next time you’re asked the question — respond with three words: “I’m a writer,” and express it as if you were born to do nothing else. Because it’s probably true.

8. Do you live in constant uncertainty, questioning if everything you write is crap?

At least you’re being honest with yourself.

But instead of letting self-doubt influence your writing, accept it as part of the process. Skepticism nudges us to re-evaluate our content and to be more focused on producing a final product we can be proud of.

And for those of you who have the ability to write one perfect draft and release it into the world without a second glance, I’m in complete and total awe — and more than a little envious of your talent.

9. Does writing take priority over personal grooming, eating, or sex?

If you can answer yes to any or all, it’s a pretty good indication you have what it takes to honor your passion.

And while I applaud your incredible dedication, I urge you to occasionally take a look in the mirror for a little touch-up, and make an effort to carve out some time with your partner. But do take care of the grooming thing first.

10. Is there anything else in the world you’d rather do?

Yeah, I know. Me either.

I’ve thought about it, made endless lists of pros and cons, and considered all the possible options — good and bad. And I keep coming back to writing. Because it’s a call I can’t ignore.

I hope you find some answers, direction, and motivation from this article.

Be comforted in knowing you’re in great company because we’re all trying to find a place in the writing world.

I’d love to expand on this piece by revealing my best sources of new writing ideas, but my husband is giving me one of his own hand signals — and that means I need to shower and brush my hair first, before he changes his mind.

© 2020 Jill Reid. All Rights Reserved.

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Jill Reid is the author of Please God, Make Me A Writer and the Real Life Series, including Real Life and Discover Your Personal Truth. Her books and articles explore life, happiness, relationships, health, and personal success strategies.