How to Tell if You're a Writer | John Irving | Big Think

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How to Tell if You're a Writer
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For John Irving, the need for a daily ration of solitude was his strongest "pre-writing" moment as a child.
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JOHN IRVING:
John Irving is the author of twelve books, including “The World According to Garp,” “A Prayer For Owen Meany,” and most recently, “Last Night on Twisted River.” Over his career he has won a National Book Award, an Academy Award for his adaptation of “The Cider House Rules,” and many other honors, and has been translated into over thirty languages. A former competitive wrestler, he splits his time between Vermont and Montreal.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Question: Did you know from an early age that you would be a writer?
John Irving: I supposed I had a number of what I might call pre-writing moments as a kid. I recognized at a pretty early age, certainly I was pre-teens, I noticed that the school day was enough of a day to spend with my friends. I seemed to have a need to want to be alone. Even before I started making almost landscape notes in a journal, even before I started keeping a journal, which happened to me when I was fourteen, even before then I had a need to come home from school by myself and to be in a room by myself or in my grandmother's garden by myself. I guess the earliest sign was how much I liked being alone, how much I actually needed to be alone, the way you need, or I need, exercise or food or a certain amount of sleep. There was that desire to be, and a comfort, at being alone.
Recorded on: October 30, 2009
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Опубликовано:

22 апр 2012

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Комментарии : 862

@bigthink 4 года назад

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@alexanderthegreat5255 10 лет назад

In my opinion the reason that introverted people are more often writers then extroverted people is because they think inward, they spend more time in their mind, feeling their emotions deeper then extroverts. That doesn't necessarily mean that extroverts make bad writers, it only means that introverts are more often writers because it appeals more to their mindset. The average extrovert is less likely to have an interest in becoming a writer, just as an average introvert is less likely to have an interest in becoming a journalist, or a talk show host.

@theglasswolf3206 7 лет назад

Nathaniel Morgan 3 years late- like me!

@toastertoasterson3282 6 лет назад

So journalism isn't writing anymore apparently? Good thing Hunter S Thomson died before that was decided.

@lynphillips2109 6 лет назад

Nathaniel Morgan well said, er written. There does seem to be a stigma against introverts, as if being an extrovert is superior. Introverts can also be sociable. I think the key is that introverts need solitude to be recharged, and extroverts need to be around people to be recharged. It's okay to be either one. Yes, I agree that an introvert would live in his mind a lot and be introspective, and that sounds like a writer to me. An extrovert can also be a writer, as my introverted mind can imagine ;)

@lynphillips2109 6 лет назад

Toaster Toasterson yes, apparently journalism is generally not writing. Not any more. Mostly a bunch of biased hacks. :)

@pinchebruha405 3 года назад

hello raging extrovert i finally have time to write, introverts write because they dont want to actually talk to people, they writze about their feelings i write about everyone elses haaaa haaaaaaaaaaaa haaa. im so hyper trust me so so so much i want to put on paper, extroverts are more crzeatrive so i dont think introverts gotr anything but more time on thier hands to write, IMO

@SystemFreaKk13 9 лет назад

This sounds more like, "How to Tell if You're an Introvert."

@SystemFreaKk13 9 лет назад

alberto balsalm Very true. I'm both a writer and an introvert (89% Myers-Briggs) actually.

@SystemFreaKk13 9 лет назад

Working through an epic fiction and a short story anthology, but I write mostly fiction and occasionally poetry

@SystemFreaKk13 9 лет назад

alberto balsalm Basically yea. Though its not centered around the classic fantasy mythos; dragons, castles, siege battles, medieval romanticism, etc. Its a little more contemporary, dealing with modern war, resource strain, ecological crises, stuff like that.

@SystemFreaKk13 9 лет назад

alberto balsalm Hahaha we'll see anyway

@SystemFreaKk13 9 лет назад

alberto balsalm Haha I DON'T. I'm meticulous and a purist, so I try to make sure that its all my own style, and that it all comes from my own head. I try to be vigilant and hard on myself so that I'm always trying to improve, and I find that if I read a great novel or short story that effects me deeply, I unconsciously mirror the style in my own writing, and that tends to annoy me.

@PolarChimes 9 лет назад

I think people who like to get lost in books, movies, and games, could make good writers also. Introverts might be better at internalizing the words they write, bringing them to life inside their minds. Writing becomes a powerful, cerebral adventure when you live with a rich inner life already.

@shoutatthesky Год назад

Extroverts don't get lost in books.

@deker0954 8 месяцев назад

If you don't like the ending, write a different one.

@Thechaoseditz2.0 6 месяцев назад

That’s me I get lost in books

@rupanshisharma3960 6 месяцев назад

The last line is on point!

@henriquenavesdasilva244 5 месяцев назад

this is giving "we can all sing"

@neigh102 5 лет назад

I'm am an introvert, but I think the earliest sign that I was a writer was my passion for stories.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Give us a short story, right now.

@Wylsonic 5 месяцев назад

@@Inalienablerights15why the hell would they waste time on you?

@reginaldforthright805 11 дней назад

@@Wylsonicbecause a gentleman never refuses a challenge to his honor.

@reginaldforthright805 11 дней назад

My lifelong disinterest in stories and strong aversion to writing make me an unlikely author, yet I am determined to become one (and hate every minute of it).

@giorgigudiashvili4876 8 лет назад

These topic-baits are very annoying.

@memyselfandinobodyfromnowh9087 7 лет назад

Giorgi Gudiashvili, what do you mean?

@ericstrahler5767 2 месяца назад

This is very pertinent a trait to being a writer. Noone writes with distractions around.

@Bunnyi589 2 дня назад

Then don’t watch them 😑

@sleek24 7 лет назад

Being a writer is to leave a piece of you out there for people to see and hopefully understand. You have a good chance of being a messenger if you spend time alone, using your senses, and observing yourself. You can share it any way you want including a written form of communication.

@a-renheit4803 11 месяцев назад

written beautifully

@Bella.Fiori. 4 месяца назад

Not Everyone as writer is like that, it truly just depends on the person . Ones who make acceptable writers and stories tellers are ones who care about others more than themselves, they aren’t selfish , them writing isn’t for their own benefit but for ours. That’s what truly makes an amazing writer 📝

2 месяца назад

@@Bella.Fiori. All writers write for themselves. There are no selfless writers. Art is for the artist. The audience, if there is one, is secondary. And that has nothing to do with whether they are 'amazing' or not. Stop giving yourself more importance than you have.

2 месяца назад

No one ever understands anyone else. People don't even understand themselves. All you know of others is your perception of them, which is not who they are.

@loverainthunder 10 лет назад

I'm a fetus and I like being alone. But my mother is always around me. Selfish woman.

@Thehamstersgiude2u 4 года назад

loverainthunder when the cord it cut then you’ll be alone.

@tanyabotha9500 3 года назад

Random and quirky, yet accurate and hilarious!!!!

@HuongNguyen-hm9rg 3 года назад

😂😂😂😂

@servantoftheexpander9688 2 года назад

You exist because your mother does; She isn't around you but she is with you; She isn't selfish but she is generous. She is your life and you are her life.

@LordBrittish 2 года назад

Helicopter parents

@ASMRconKiki 10 лет назад

I can relate to every single word. And I would like to become a writer as well. I have always thought that being alone was my big flaw, my introverted pleasure. Instead, it gives you more time to think and possibly, allows you to write more and better.

@denissdennis 6 лет назад

Isolation is the gift - Charles Bukowski

@vibewithsky 6 лет назад

Hermetic Kitten me too iam kind of introvert person I rather wanted to be in room with a book than to go outside and partying

@yatharthsinghchauhan9161 6 лет назад

Hermetic Kitten yeah i am not an introvert though but still i need and enjoy some alone time too.

@SlashcamStudios 5 лет назад

Man U want sucky

@jomoody798 2 года назад

Then write

@Emil-ul4kb 8 лет назад

I like being by myself. I am comfortable with myself. Also my first book will be out in July/August 2016. Writers have to have a certain amount of wanting to be alone. They must spend time with their thoughts. Develop a story, be with story characters.

@AG-kh3pl 7 лет назад

Emil whats your book called

@danielsister2467 2 года назад

How are things going?

@Gwagwewe Год назад

How has your story been doing so far

@user-rw9cb8qq6x 4 месяца назад

100%!

@BlueMaxx86 10 лет назад

He's not saying being an introvert makes you a writer and there is no other aspect. He's saying being a loner helped with the task of writing. Which a writer usually is someone that sets themselves apart from others to be left alone with their devices, more often than not.

@toastertoasterson3282 6 лет назад

And I'm saying proper grammar probably helped him too. A writer is usually someone that sets him or herself apart from others with the ability to fucking write a decent fucking sentence! FUCK YOU AND FUCK THE SIXTEEN PEOPLE THAT LIKED THIS COMMENT! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!

@bullymaguire2061 4 года назад

Loner is the wrong word. Introvert is the correct word.

@Iamthepossum 2 года назад

Speaking from experience; 'maladaptive daydreamers' are likely just traumatized people, whose excessive and extraordinary capacity for pragmatic language is activated by limbic-encoded trauma with such force that the individual is compelled by an unrelenting need to dissociate and practice avoidant behaviors via interminable creative thought. It is an unfathomable creative hell. Hope you are well, and finding that writing can help exorcise some of those demons by providing a constructive outlet to your unending loops of creativity. A better 'Big Think' question would be: how many 'writers' meet the diagnostic criteria for a dissociative disorder for which maladaptive daydreaming is a component? Or perhaps the correct answer to the 'how to tell if you're a writer' question posed by this video is: I found out I was a writer, when I learned that my malignant creativity was considered a form of mental illness by naïve and uninformed 'children of a lesser God'. Take care, 'Maladaptive Daydreamer'. :)

@punchy5852 2 года назад

@@Iamthepossum This is very interesting. I wonder if I am like this. I get excited to have spare time where I can daydream. I often think what the hell was that story I day dreamed about. I always thought if I was locked away in a room like jail or something that I would be fine because I could create a reality in my mind to pass the time. I like this daydreamer side and many people have told me I have a create, odd, different, unusual train of thought about things. Right now im laying on the floor of my room and I started day dreaming about an exstention cord that is coiled up and some space ships are flying through it and around it like It was a giant power cable on a secret base station on a wastelandish planet.... and Im 32 haha

@SpaceCattttt 9 лет назад

Well, I'm always alone. Should I pick up a pen, or what?

@nemoskull2262 9 лет назад

when life sucks, writing is a great way for me to escape into another world.

@SpaceCattttt 8 лет назад

ZEROZEROUFO Yeah, and then I'll write about it and send it in a letter to you.

@SpaceCattttt 8 лет назад

***** I've kept a dream journal (or diary) for years. I call it my "LSD novel", because it's WEIRD. Don't expect to get it published any time soon, though. ;)

@SpaceCattttt 8 лет назад

***** You can buy the publishing rights. After that, do what you like.

@SpaceCattttt 8 лет назад

***** And I just want to get rich.

@adamsteindl5382 8 лет назад

Being alone is like a warm cosy blanket for me.

@markhanson6563 10 лет назад

"We live as we dream - alone."

@nunya1738 9 лет назад

I'm going to need all of you to get out of this thread, please.

@Blade56762 9 лет назад

Nun Ya LOL!!!

@TooleyPeter 8 лет назад

+Nun Ya Funny.

@StEpH741789 7 лет назад

Aight

@aardwolf5479 6 лет назад

;)

@bluecollarlit 4 месяца назад

LOL.

@TundraTress 9 лет назад

Actually I feel the same way... I seem to have social want during the school day.. almost as if I'm disappointed that I'm not as social as some people, but when I get home... I feel perfect.

@toastertoasterson3282 6 лет назад

I guess that must mean you're Hemingway then!

@EXHellfire 9 лет назад

I agree. Writers need time by themselves to think and muse. At least, at heart I know I am a writer and I feel addressed by this.

@Lotus1111 6 месяцев назад

The words, “by myself”, “being alone,” resonated so deeply. While cleaning out my childhood home after my parents’ passing, I found so many of my long forgotten, young writings in the attic. I proclaimed that art & music were my interests and that I would become a writer. Now, at 59, burned out & retired from a beautiful career in medicine, I am pursing a long ago dream. It is so important to “know thyself” & live in alignment with that way of being. Thank for this short, impactful clip.

@UnidentifiedPurple 2 месяца назад

How is this new adventure unfolding for you? Got me curious friend

@kelly774 10 лет назад

This makes me so happy. I plan to be a writer when I'm older, and knowing that a famous writer had the same need to be alone as me makes me feel so happy.

2 месяца назад

Why would you wait until you are older? Being a writer means writing. That is it. If you aren't willing to do it now maybe choose something else. You mean you want to make money from writing, get published and be famous. Those things are irrelevant to writing. If you are a writer then write.

@Nautilus1972 5 лет назад

I summarised the plot of Star Wars when I was 5 years old at school. I only ever wanted to be a writer. I have sold 3 copies of my first novel, but I won't stop.

@RoxzRay Год назад

This is SO true, sometimes i feel bad if I tell a family member or friend that I need to go in a different room, and leave them alone, especially if they wanted the company, but it is so, so hard to write when with others, or with distractions. I find it possible sometimes, but it always then needs a lot of reworking and any quality content is few and far between.

@ThirdDimensionalBeing 8 лет назад

Come on, what the hell was this?

@KiriouSs 7 лет назад

lol you got it spot on^^

@faithtipton8409 7 лет назад

MAB SADM obviously somebody's been excluded from a lot of parties lmao

@hackeritalics 6 лет назад

I am pretty much alone always and I am no more a writer than I am an astrophysicist. His reaction was perfectly spot on. Being alone has nothing to do with being able to properly express ideas and emotions.^^;;

@Sherlika_Gregori 8 лет назад

very stupid comments here. People think that introverts stay in dark room all their lives. I am an introvert with many friends, achieved much, travelled way more and like to write. But I prefer to work on my own. I produce more and better. You need to read the book called 'Quiet! The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking' by Susan Cain

@writerforlifeify 7 лет назад

And now we live in a world that can't stop texting (in a broken, truncated semblance of English). Among the 'weapons of mass distraction' currently at our disposal, I choose to maintain my 2005 Motorola flip phone! Who can beat that?

@atypical_moto 7 лет назад

Some introverts do stay in a dark room all their lives. Personally I spend a lot of time in a dimly lit room but I do go out for work or to get a helping of human interaction, usually to drink or eat or read in public. Just being near other humans is enough. I don't necessarily need to talk to them.

@mrdarky3377 7 лет назад

Claudia G not so sure why categorizing can be devastatingly religious.

@carrot1160 7 лет назад

Claudia G Hi! Do you have a wattpad account? If so, please tell me. I want to read at least one of your works. I'm sure they're worth reading.

@haafeez903 6 лет назад

Claudia G you just self proclaimed introvert proud.

@aaronkaminski9357 10 лет назад

If you want to be a writer, you're a writer.

@kaleimorales5341 9 лет назад

What if you dont have a pen?

@Midnighterz. 6 лет назад

Kalei Morales - then you write with a pencil

@secretaband5013 4 года назад

@@kaleimorales5341 writing is not only on paper, nor is it on screen. Written is not only with pens or pencils not is it on keyboards. Writing is a demon inside you, which you can not escape from. Writing will make you fail in life. It will make you hurt. Lose jobs or relationships, sometimes both. Writers mostly never get published. They mostly never get read. But they write because that is all they are. That is writing, not a fucking pen.

@geminikid609 4 года назад

Ok don't listen to that psycho if you write you a writer

@afanasymarinov2236 3 года назад

You're a writer once you actually start writing.

@scrumpymanjack 2 года назад

This is a great test for finding out if you like to spend time alone. It’s not a great test for working out if you’re a writer.

@EstebanleoBrowns 3 месяца назад

Yo haven't understood well you have to read between the lines

@Smoothbluehero 7 лет назад

How to tell if you're a writer: Have you written anything: yes, no? If yes, you have committed the act of writing, and therefore are a writer.

@Pumpkin0_0 9 лет назад

I can connect with the need to be alone at an early age. I didn't have a journal, but I did like to write about fantasy/fiction/adventure when I was a kid, and I do that now on a professional level. Even now, having friends and not being an introvert, I have a great need to be alone, in my own space whenever I can. It's not being alone in the sense of being anti-social, an introvert or not liking to be around other people, it's something deeper than that.

@rajamohammed8683 Год назад

In my childhood, i was met with some awe by children my age and when it is not exactly friendship, i grew a self confidence in me which i think is fortunate in some aspects because my cousins during those years for some reason bullied and teased me as if somebody made them to deliberately. As for being alone, i don't remember i missed anyone when I climbed tamarind trees at the roadsides in outskirts reading books, watching the mountains and forests and farms. I walked long hours through forests and climbed trees and watched plants and read with love for stories. The love for nature made me feel contended. From an earlier age i noticed people talk and behave like they were story characters and i rarely interpreted their true adult communication because i am what they say as a late bloomer. I don't regret i came to adulthood so late. The childhood innocence is important for a writer for their imaginative thinking

@storiesneverend9514 Год назад

You have a flair of writing when you are expressing your story although I am no expert writer to tell but from my inner reader. It keeps the reading on to go further down without shutting off. Waiting for your stories. Good blending of self thoughts

@courage146 7 лет назад

Such an excellent short video. Being your true self is especially difficult when you are by yourself. I know that's certainly the case for me, but while it's difficult I soon realize that I have a ton of fun writing my thoughts down and creating stories that I like for myself. If other people like it, then that's great :) if not, then that's okay too ;D I hope other people who are interested in expressing themselves honestly understand that it is truly okay to be yourself. Cheers, y'all.

@punchy5852 2 года назад

Im extraverted and still love my alone time. I hated writing my whole life. Now I start journaling and pages and pages just flow out and I feel like I become more and more energised writing in a creative way. I can explain the environment or atmosphere of a place to give the feeling of where you are while reading. I love being around people but I love having my alone time. Its like Iv tapped into my introverted side from years of isolated work and its forced me to get used to the side of me that I was scared of.

@angelamerici7560 8 лет назад

It happens to me a lot that I want to be alone for writing, thinking or just to be alone. Always thought that a very dark room would be a nice place to write!!

@Guitarron28 11 лет назад

I remember watching a great documentary by Scorsese titled "Public Speaking," which was a sit-down interview with Fran Lebowtiz and scenes of her speaking in public; almost every topic is interesting but one thing was really significant for me; she said "there are certain experiences in life that help to cultivate an artistic sensibility; when you are excluded, in prison, depressed or whenever one is forced to observe." An introvert can feel excluded, be forced to observe and you have a writer.

@Pariah_Larry 3 года назад

I write my best songs/poems when I’m at rock bottom, and when I’m heartbroken. Rarely do I write meaningful stuff while I’m in a good place

@examinfo 9 лет назад

"How to tell if being Alone is for you"

@223Warlord 9 лет назад

I'm thinking about writing a novel. I had already brainstorm an outline for the plot, characters, ect. I'll probably complete it in a year and a half and then i'll send the manuscript to dozens of publishers hoping for a miracle. I'm so excited just thinking about it.... If all goes well, i may just be able to publish my first novel before my 20th birthdays

@KManAbout 9 лет назад

Good luck 🍀 what is your book 📖. Have you heard of wattpad?

@223Warlord 9 лет назад

what's Wattpad?

@KManAbout 9 лет назад

Wattpad is the largest site for amateur/professional writers.

@223Warlord 9 лет назад

***** Hm, never heard of it. I'm planning to self publish first on Amazon Kindle so i don't believe i would need a site like that :/

@KManAbout 9 лет назад

You don't. But if you are starting out as an author wattpad is the best. A lot writers come from there. If you're writing a series put your first book there and get some famous users to read it. If your book is good enough millions will read it.

@michaelwilliamson2255 7 лет назад

I would also like to add to this video the need for silence. There is something about being in a room alone and absorbing silence. It feels...necessary.

@HoodyBoy85 11 лет назад

This reminds me of when I was in college on my way to the lake with all my friends and during the drive, no matter how much I was looking forward to the weekend, wished I could be back in my dorm writing.

2 месяца назад

Writing can be done anywhere. Pen and paper, simple.

@rachaellincoln1572 10 лет назад

This video describes me! Although, I did consider writing as a career choice, but now I prefer to write for fun. Not to mention, I can express myself far better through written words than through any other means.

@rowanmark21 10 лет назад

he is one of the best writers i have ever read,his books are some of the few i can read to the end and look forward to the next one.Reflection is one of the things that make us human,maybe the only one.

@seanhastings4432 11 лет назад

As a 17 year old aspiring writer, I say he is exactly right.

@Skycube100 7 лет назад

Lol, the title should rather be "How to tell if you're an introvert"

@SnowSNS11 7 лет назад

Karl Beltran he didn't say he's an introvert. You can be an extrovert, but when it comes to writing you can't write your best material with somebody watching or something

@toastertoasterson3282 6 лет назад

How the fuck can a title rather be something it's not? EXPLAIN YOURSELF!

@drunkenxrage 10 лет назад

Thank you John Irving for explaining this better than I can to my girlfriend.

@gyasisirimou2488 9 лет назад

It means a lot even before I watched this I already knew to be a writer means you must love solitude not the one forced by the society or by yourself on you no but natural solitude.

@roamingspirits 10 лет назад

That's totally who I am. Lots of times I felt bad about being kinda different, like not wanting to do the things other kids were doing, I didn't feel comfortable with parties or other social gatherings. It was just hard to speak up, I much rathered just remained silent and spent my time alone or with my one and only best friend. I always wanted to be a writer. That wish always followed me and I always feared that I don't have what it takes to be a writer, meaning that I have no confidence. But the more I am reading about being a writer, the more I am aware that it is what I want and that it would make me happy. I could create my own stuff, a world of my own and hopefully make other poeple happy reading it. I am probably not the best to say this because damn I have some confidence issues, but I believe that whoever feels like they want to really be a writer and whoever sits at home daily thinking of stories and just writes down things for fun, can become a great writer. After all, there is no thing such as a bad book, there will always be people who like something and who don't and who have similar or different tastes in something. So good luck to everyone :D Never give up on your dreams.

@toastertoasterson3282 6 лет назад

THAT IS THE CUTEST THING I HAVE READ IN MY LIFE! How the fuck did you only get two thumbs up for that? And that's including mine! I for one, love the way you write. But don't get to confident now because your confidence issues are part of the charm. Same with Proust. If he'd have been confident he would have never been able to write Recherche. So be confident about your lack of confidence. It's marvelous. It really is.

@Misserbi 3 года назад

Being alone is one part of it. The other is dreaming of the possibilities and knowing nothing is worthy if it can never happen. I call it a childhood dream.

@Navesblue 9 лет назад

Being alone to help you write doesn't make you introverted. It helps you concentrate on your work and avoid distractions to your creative process, like friends. Too many people in this comment section don't understand that.

@hekikoka5792 6 лет назад

It's not so much the desire to be alone as the creative urge, the impulse an instinct forcing you to discharge your creative juices. Whether you channel this through painting, poetry, dance, music etc it's entirely down to your disposition. I like painting, writing and music. I do all interchangeably. I like being alone but prolonged solitude tends to burn me out as does prolonged exposure to people especially tu mundane type

@vivek8172 Месяц назад

"A good lier...making up stories to either get out of a situation or to look cool in front of your friends and making it look like facts!! ...." Is the best sign in my opinion

@Lynnvandenbrink 8 лет назад

Not all writers want to be alone (that much). I know some of them really want to be with and around others for inspiration

@mckenzierae6140 9 лет назад

A writer watches people and how they act. It's like their mind is their friend. They see the world as a metaphor. Writers have a mind of their own as which they feel people don't understand their thoughts and their feelings. That's why they set themselves apart from the rest of the world.

@toastertoasterson3282 6 лет назад

You know McKenzie, I think the lack of understanding you experience might not be so much the result of you having a mind of your own but rather of the inability to construct a proper fucking sentence.

@jktomas 9 лет назад

That's called being introvert. I'm an introvert too, I feel confortable being alone. I need to be alone for a big portion of my day to survive. However I'm not a writer, not even close.

@paulgoogol2652 9 лет назад

thats deep

@clarissafox4345 10 лет назад

Here r some signs, you don`t struggle when writing, and it comes to you easily. Also, many people with a large imagination are amazing writers. Last, your friends, and those who read your work compliment it, and want you to hear more, and you can think up a short original story in less than an hour!!!!!

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Here "R" some signs? Really?

@ianoian1 Год назад

I've been a professional writer all my life mostly in the energy industries and I am also a published author. Looking back to my school days, I loved English language lessons and hated maths! As for being alone? Not for me, so I am not sure where you're coming from, sir!!

@flamingowen 7 лет назад

i'm like that too. i crave solitude and i usually end up writing at some point. been like this since i was little. the other thing about me is that i find a "home" when I'm writing. just holed up somewhere alone writing seems very normal and comfortable. i don't think i necessarily have any talent or that anyone would enjoy reading what i write, but i do think i am naturally a writer. oh well.

@jplayboy7 10 лет назад

… is called being an introvert (INFJ in my case) with a dreamy melancholic disposition. Whose naturally inclined to long periods of isolation rather than socializing, more inclined to self-reflection and finding deeper meanings rather than pursuing superficial relationships while battling the demons of manic-depression by writing. Show me high intelligence, and I’ll show you unhappiness. Show me creativity and I’ll show you madness. Show me madness, and I’ll show you a beautiful mind. Show me a beautiful mind, and I’ll show you a genius.

@yuck415 10 лет назад

the myers briggs Mbti personality test is actually outdated

@graciouspizza 4 года назад

@@roblaurin7426 why are you shutting someone with beautiful mind?

@woodandwheelz 2 года назад

I always wanted to be alone. My parents would force me to make friends (today I'm thankful for that) and try to get out and try new things. Even to my friends I was strange and odd. My parents had me tested and the conclusion was that I was an Hyperactive Introvert (I also couldn't keep still). Fast forward to when I was 45 (9 years ago) and I learned I have Asperger's. Now everything started to make sense and fall apart. I knew why I was the way I was and also learned that It can't be fixed. Fast forward the 9 years and I'm still the same but have learned to cope and have a loving supportive wife. It's not fixed but it's better. On a side note, on top of the Asperger's, I have Dyslexia and PTSD from the Military. As I told my wife when I met her, I'm a whole plethora of sunshine. All of these things made me stronger as a person and a better writer/dreamer (nothing published). I'm now working on several projects that may or may not amount to anything. But, I have fun doing it. That's all that matters to me.

@Theheroesfall 10 лет назад

How to tell if you're a writer ... you write. Wanting to be alone doesn't mean anything other than you'll probably have more spare time in which to write. Personally I've been a storyteller/writer since I was 6 and don't like being alone.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Right! Stories need audiences, and you begin by telling a verbal story to someone else. If you can captivate and hold their attention, you are an author.

@Growndweller 11 лет назад

The best writers, I've noticed, are comfortable being by themselves.

@gabereyna4015 8 лет назад

Fuck this if I want to be a writer than I can be one there's no rules

@atypical_moto 7 лет назад

Shall we make that a rule?

@Anticrystal88 7 лет назад

Well, there are basic rules of grammar and punctuation. So there's that.

@vandamme6379 7 лет назад

Gabe Reyna You can try but that doesn't mean your books won't be shit.

@vandamme6379 7 лет назад

My book is published. I am an author but you don't need to get published. Being a writer is something you do for yourself. Trust me, you don't make money being a writer. I have another job too.

@vandamme6379 7 лет назад

***** Well, you're all here so...Someone fucking talked!

@vilde5445 10 лет назад

I really want to be a writer and I can totally relate to this. I absolutely need my alone time in my bedroom with a cup of tea. I started a journaling when I was fourteen as well ;))

@puppynebula 10 лет назад

I'm a 15 year old writer, and I LOVE being alone! :)

@mishapurser7542 10 лет назад

I feel the same way. I enjoy being with my friends at school, but at home I spend a lot of time alone thinking, gaming, researching. More recently especially gaming has been taking up less and less of my time.

@Skitty2Bruce 10 лет назад

I don't like being alone, but I like the quietness with no talking- just reflecting and thinking. I am an animal lover. cats give you love and quietness. you still have company in your alone time. I don't allways like talking.

@SasapessoS 8 лет назад

Reading and writing at heart are solitary activity. I read in public, too, but get much more 'umami' from stories when I'm alone.

@andresvalentin7754 8 лет назад

I love being alone, it gives me time to think about myself, and to imagine. I walk around my school's field during recess, it's serene and I have time to imagine and write about it in my journal. I'm going to 7th grade and my dream is to become an author, I want write a story no one will ever forget something original like The Hunger Games

@bbilal111 2 года назад

Do you remember commenting this? Do you still write?

@camistired4035 11 лет назад

I agree! I love being alone. Just because Im alone doesnt mean Im writing.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Has anything ever happened to you? If you can write it down, and supply enough detail, then you can write.

@KillerBill1953 8 лет назад

I like my own company and writing (novels) is a solitary profession, but I also like to be with other people. I had my first writing success when I was 9 and have written ever since.

@gameboypunk660 7 лет назад

I've never been able to put in words what that author just said but that fits me perfectly I enjoy being around people to an extent but highly value my personal free time probably the most important part of my day.

@bobeichelberg7715 Месяц назад

It's scary (and encouraging!) when you completely relate to that.

@alexzero4417 5 лет назад

I'm just like you sir, I love being alone and I'm also paranoid that everyone thinks I'm weird,

@TooleyPeter 8 лет назад

*FOOLPROOF METHOD* - How To Tell If You're a Writer in 3 Easy Steps. *"When you write stuff..."* (1) People say wow, this is good, you should be a writer. (2) Agents who read your work ask to represent you; and (3) Buyers offer you money for your stories. *If 1-3 are happening to you, congrats, you're a writer.*

@UnParapluieBleu 8 лет назад

I agree with you, I think it is important for aspiring writers to remember that many published authors have tried publishing material before that didn't get published or weren't received well by agents before they eventually were able to publish really great novels. Pierce Brown is a good example of someone who wrote many books that didn't get published before figuring out how to make his stories work and becoming a best-selling author. Sometimes it's a matter of fine-tuning and trusting your gut that if you can make the correct alterations to your work, others will see it's value too.

@Mr.PauloSica Год назад

If you like to be alone, you're a writer. Got it.

@taylorhadfield4056 5 лет назад

As a Myers-Briggs tested 93% introvert, I completely understand this, and like it’s actually comforting to know there’s nothing wrong with how I live/lead my school days since I grew up in an entire family of extroverts who kinda just always had something going on while I just sat back and was like what’s wrong with me? Why am I not like them? Why am I like this? I didn’t really learn what introverts and extroverts were until about a few years ago and it is still really hard for me not to long for an extroverted lifestyle, long for the “normalcy” I grew up around, long for friends to hang out with all the time and to feel cool with doing that. I still have to keep myself from beating myself up about the little things that I notice are different about how we interact with others. I’m working on it though. I’m perfectly fine the way I am. I’m normal, if there even is such a thing.

@mytubesofeverything5472 9 лет назад

It was completely the opposite experience for me. I grew up in a busy house, always jam-packed with people. A writing pad and a black ballpoint pen were the only things that I could hide behind, whilst still in plain view.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Give us an idea of some of your writing skills. Make up something now. Just a short story.

@Kn0wOneNos3 10 лет назад

I'm like that too. Kept a journal throughout teen years, putting down thoughts about the day's events or a dream (handful of times) sporadically and never too consistently. I have nothing going for me as far as a career goes. I've had a knack for writing over the years, I guess, but I don't see it worth turning into a career, even though I, perhaps, should. I just find it boring (I'm far from a thrill-seeker, so it's funny that I've always viewed it this way) and, I don't know. I understand that ideas are valuable and all, but...

@lorenrobinson716 7 лет назад

Number one way to tell your a writer is if you continually finish writing projects (article, novel, screenplay etc). In my opinion it's that simple. I know a lot of people that like the idea of being Writer and they never actually finish whatever their writing. I'm a professional technical writer & novelist and Pro writers write everyday.

@mitjakocjancic2205 10 лет назад

Accoarding to this, I am fit to be a writer. :) I certainly need my alonetime. While I appreciate having people that are willing to spend time with me, I get absolutely exhausted if I haven't spent enough time alone with my thoughts or my induvidual hobbies in too long a time.

@TheMausey 11 лет назад

Exactly that. The original question, 'How to tell if you're a writer,' is rendered utterly redundant by Irving's response. The truth is that the many walks of life that the writer/creative leads allows for a more dynamic and diverse array of texts and other works. Personally I think Irving knows this too!

@coreycox2345 7 лет назад

I have always had that same thing, and I know what he means by this. I wish that simply having a regular need to be alone would turn me into a great writer like John Irving. I suspect that he also has done a lot of work...just writing and writing.

@writerforlifeify 7 лет назад

Writing is a solitary endeavor wherein one is in a continual & exclusive contact with one's Muse. How's that for irony? Such is my experience; one must be alone, comfortably ensconced in one's oasis of solitude, in order to enlist the aid of whispering, unseen sprites. But then again, some writers have hammered out masterpieces on their laptops whilst sitting in bustling cafés or riding a crowded train to a job that pays the bills.....but they're just freely spewing in such settings, riding the erratic comet of an idea. The real writing, meaning the re-writing and/or editing happens behind closed doors & in relative silence.

@coreycox2345 7 лет назад

You write so well.

@writerforlifeify 7 лет назад

Thank you!

@coreycox2345 7 лет назад

You are welcome.

@mylesgeronimo4976 7 лет назад

I never in a million years would call John Irving a 'great writer.'

@atypical_moto 7 лет назад

So all extreme introverts are writers?.. I hope he's right.

@altothex9648 7 лет назад

Kenny Rodger oddly enough I'm more of an extrovert, (in that area) and I'm a writer so I think it's probably case specific.

@atypical_moto 7 лет назад

Almost certainly.

@Jpw333 7 лет назад

No you ignorant fuck that's not what's he's saying at all. He clearly stated his school day gave him his extrovert fill in his life and provided him with the right amount of social interaction which he would then seek alone time find a happy medium. In what way does this make him an extreme introvert??? He maintains a balance... Which can almost be considered an antonym of EXTREME, proving your comment to be idiotic and unobservant. Sorry for ranting, I just can't stand when stupid people think they are clever.

@atypical_moto 7 лет назад

Jack Walsh It's cute that you think your interpretation is objective.

@phlhoran12396 7 лет назад

Kenny Rodger Exactly! It's like saying the summer needs Sunshine! No shit!....:-)

@1baggabungle 8 лет назад

Thanks for saying that, that need, it never left me

@Autophage 10 лет назад

As an aspiring writer I was worried that I might not have whatever qualification Mr Irving was going to talk about. And then he goes on to describe my need for solitude to a T. And here I thought I was unique. Well that's a relief. :)

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Can you tell a story? WIll that story be exciting and drag the reader effortlessly along, through plot twists, past dangerous situations, making us identify with the hero, and finally delivering a satisfying ending?

@yeahbuddy101211 6 лет назад

I think inwards a lot, but I'm less of an introvert than how most are. I love writing and would like to always write.

@cadude145 11 лет назад

Okay what he described is a personal trait called introvert vs the opposite trait called extrovert. Now, there are a lot of occupations where being a introvert is actually a benefit, not just writing skills. Now, if you want to find out where you stand find someone who can give you the Myers Briggs type indicator evaluation. You would probably enjoy it.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Which are you, Myers or Briggs? And what have they written?

@YarrBr0 8 лет назад

I am uncomfortable when I'm alone, and writing is a way for me to deal with that. It allows me to use my solitude creatively. I am just pointing out that a predisposition for solitude is not strictly necessary to write.

@gabo6713 10 лет назад

The same happens to me. Sometimes I really need to be by myself, just thinking...

@DonBelial 8 лет назад

Very helpful. Thank you very much.

@PJ19596 6 месяцев назад

I want to write fiction that conveys philosophical truths. I tried to talk to people about my ideas for a very long time, but after a while I realised that the udeas were so specific that it was hard to find a person who could consistently relate to what I was talking about. The idea that writing might help me to convey these concepts and theories to the specific audience who would be interested in these topics is one of many reasons why I hope to become a published writer someday. This also contributed to my preference for my own company.

@lojean7453 8 лет назад

I enjoy the comfort of solitude.

@elizabethk3238 2 года назад

You're one of US... an Introvert. Love your Storytelling.

@itsmarialifestyle4355 11 лет назад

Funny thing, I like the 'alone' time, but I love writing in public, as long as no one speaks directly to me. Same with homework. As long as I don't have to learn text by heart and need to be loud!

@manar1623 9 месяцев назад

He described my emotions and thoughts exactly as they are.And I do feel writing is my power, and my area to talk freely about everything with details.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

You "feel"? Can you actually tap into your feelings, and write something for us?

@manar1623 8 месяцев назад

@@Inalienablerights15 Once a girl said " I'm looking for a home, because basically I don't feel home. And I do change my opinion about things too easily, I don't konw how to be fine as others for along time . And now it is winter, the time where all the good old memories visit me again. Actually I love the feeling, but it is so sad to feel those memories again. When the people that I made those memories with are not here anymore. The memories of your childhood, with friends that you lost contact with. And the younger you, who was happier and more relaxed. Also the time where people were good to each other , and actually cares about humanity , which is totally opposite to how people now. That's why I say I'm an old soul, because I feel most things are more pretty when they are old. And I don't feel I belong to this generation, because I find it hard to love anything about now" actually I'm not an expert , I'm just trying . And I wrote here something but I felt it is not suitable so I wrote this again instead.

@chrisburke5365 8 лет назад

Around 15, a social worker gave me this book called "A Prayer for Owen Meany". I was never impressed nor fond of the book, but I always enjoyed reading it. I never knew Irving was a big deal. Neeat...

@KiriouSs 7 лет назад

"how to tell if your addicted to porn"

@afonsolucas2219 7 лет назад

When you need to do it regardless of what is going on. If you have time and decide to do it, it's alright.

@RD-lt3ht 7 лет назад

Marcel Huebert Your eyes are bloodshot and your palms are hairier than your crotch.

@mogadishusneeze 7 лет назад

Friction burns on your mickey

@22mikelwho 7 лет назад

+mogadishusneeze: check..

@brianjoyce9040 2 года назад

Irving has nice gifts for us al in his writings

@markdietrich5127 7 лет назад

Introverts do indeed make better writers. Anyone and everyone can write but introverts just do it better.

@albertbullock5115 9 лет назад

I am 13 and i want to be a director/screenplay writer when i grow up and i always wish i can be alone but the only time i am alone is really late at night and i am often really tired at this point so i just live with it. :(

@tracarter6594 9 лет назад

I can relate, anybody can write but you have to learn the lessons life to be considered a writer.

@Inalienablerights15 8 месяцев назад

Who told you that? HORSE pucky! If it bleeds, it leads, if it smells, it sells. "Lessons of life"? WHAT lessons?

@DrawbackDrawback 9 лет назад

Watch and enjoy someone tell you how much they needed to be alone.

@RodknockRhett Год назад

That just mean you’re an introvert. Not all introverts become writers. Not sure how that even works. I guess some introverts like me love to write? But as I’ve said, I know a few introverts that don’t.