Is Writing Your Calling? Maybe Not!

Guest Post by Nadia Brown

I know now; writing is my purpose. When I was a small girl, I had a simple wish-- to inspire people with my words. I never wanted to be a writer for the sake of being one. In fact, I'm the opposite of what I think a writer and author should be! I'm fairly quiet. Shy. Private. Reserved. So there were moments where I questioned if this was truly my calling. It wasn't something I approached hastily. If I were going to call myself a poet, a writer, the title had to be earned. I had standards for my writings, and for what I wanted to achieve.

But we are not all meant to write, and there are those who want the title, “writer,” and then, there are writers. The question is: Which are you? It's easy to go through life without knowing your purpose and to fall into a trap of pursuing what sounds impressive. Instead of doing what you were born to do, you are trying to live someone else's dream. However, you will not go far chasing dreams that were never yours!

Knowing Your Purpose

Each day you live outside your purpose, is a day wasted not pursuing your God-given dream. If you're going to call yourself a writer and author, do so knowing: not everyone who calls themselves by those titles is meant to be either one. This is not about your writing skills, or even about a writing degree. It is about knowing your purpose. Do you know yours? Can you honestly say you-know, that-you-know, that-you-know, this is what you are put on earth for? Some have revelations, dreams...about their calling. Others may have had a perpetual stirring within them, which moves them to write. This may be you, or it may not be. Only you know why you write. Only you know why you've decided to take this path.

Not all writers should be authors of books-- you could teach, work as an editor, proofreader, or work in another area in this field. These are the obvious short list of suggestions that you could pursue as a writer. If I've got you thinking, then perhaps some self-reflection is needed. Ask yourself, some necessary and needed questions. You may want to carefully consider some of these:

Have you had your article, story, or poem published by a meaningful publication?
Outside of book sales, have you ever been paid for your writings?
Have you won any contests or awards for your work?
Have you ever received a grant for writing?
Have you seen enough progress, growth, and success in your writing endeavors?

The vision you have of where you want to be as a writer and author will not come overnight; but, if you're not seeing steady progress and continuous growth in your endeavors as an author/writer, you may want to reflect on where you are going and whether this is where you should be.

Nadia Janice Brown is a poet and writer living in Florida. Her poetry and articles have appeared in national and international magazines, and literary journals.  Becoming: The Life & Musings of a Girl Poet is her most recent published work. Visit her web site at www.nadiajbrown.com