A Writer's Skills & Attributes

Again, the Complete Idiot's Guide, Chapter 1.

A serious question: (please, I need you to be real serious, like a Senator before voting a bill)
Do I have the necessary skills and attributes to become a writer?

Tom Monteleone mentions 6 items:
1. Basic writing ability.
2. Natural storytelling talent.
3. The right temperament.
4. A natural and abiding curiosity.
5. A sense of humor.
6. A support group.

1. Basic Writing Ability

As you might notice, English is not my native language (it would be completely evident if you listened to my pronunciation). Spanish is my native language, and I studied elementary, junior high, and high school in French. So, English is my third language. Writing in English is indeed a challenge but I think I can communicate most of my ideas. So, no problema with number 1.

2. Natural Storytelling Talent

Tom says he was a storyteller since he was a kid, and he knew at a very young age he wanted to be a writer.

This was different with me. I liked to read since I was a kid, and I used to make up stories in order to get my parents confused (especially when I had done something wrong), and I liked to write letters to my family abroad, but I was not particularly good at storytelling.

I did some acting (theater) between the age of 10 and 12, and I certainly wanted to become a professional actor. When I read adventure novels in elementary and junior high, I used to think of filming those stories. But I always thought directing a movie would be way too difficult. My third option was to become a writer, and I began writing my diary when I was a teenager. That was certainly pleasurable, but I could never "jump" to the next level, to the writing of fiction, until I was 35 years old. Yes, I wrote a small novel, but I didn't like the outcome, so I will never show it to anyone.

3. The Right Temperament

Tom Monteleone says:
"When you distill all the unnecessary elements of a writer's personality and you see what's left in the collecting jar, you find massive quantities of toughness, resilience, and ego."

Well, I have 2 of 3: resilience and ego, but not sure about the thoughness.

Tom was tough because rejection could not deviate him from his goal, which was becoming a writer. And he got rejected many, many times.

Rejection has always daunted me. Good topic to discuss with my shrink. Maybe I can find some toughness inside, some stubbornness. Why not?

"Never take no for your final answer."

4. A Natural and Abiding Curiosity

No problema with this one: I am always trying to learn something new. But I can also go beyond.
Tom says: "Never be satisfied with anything you hear, see, or read."

Tom also recommends to be tuned with your subconscious, especially when you are stuck.

5. A Sense of Humor

I do have that in Spanish, sometimes, when I am relaxed, or drunk. A little tougher in English (have you ever tried to joke in a foreign language?) but who knows, maybe with a little practice...
Not everybody likes my sense of humor, but I know how to joke about myself. I mean, I know how to take myself or my work not seriously. Sometimes, I even find myself ridiculous (I use to walk and talk to myself using my hands, and showing my emotions), and I laugh at my stupid thoughts.

6. A Support Group

I don't have one. Is there a support group on the web? I'll have to do some research.

My wife? Can she become my support group? Well, yes, the only problem is she is usually very, very busy. Otherwise she could be my best proof-reader: her English is better than mine, she is an avid reader, she loves novels, she is usually nice, but she can also be a good critic. A problem with seeing me at home typing on my lap-top? No way, I always work at home on my lap-top. She also works at home on her Mac (I am a PC guy, she is a Mac gal). No problema...

My friends? Yep, maybe.

My blog? Yep!!!! The whole idea of writing here is to get feedback, honest feedback from friends and strangers.

And that was it with Tom's Guide's Chapter 1.