It's
funniest thing. When someone asks me what I do for a living, I tell them, "I'm a writer." The standard response is, "No, really, what do you do?" Somehow, I always get lost in conversation because I never expect that type of response. I end up floundering in hopes of someday finding a good response.--- So, how do you know you're a real writer? ---
It has to be a certain look or smell that identifies you as a writer. Is it turtleneck and mothball odor that give it away, or perhaps its old blue jeans you wear for a week or two.
Generally, my rule of thumb is if you can sell your ideas and make money writing, you're "a writer!" If you sit and write all day long and never sell anything, then "you write." So, in summary: "you write until you become a writer!"
But, this is very true! To become a writer, you have to write every day. You should think of a dozen or so topics and write about them. This will help you learn your style and develop your skills.
If you write, but are not yet a writer, here's an objective! Write, until you sell something. Once you get money, pay your gas bill. Now, you're a writer! But, don't stop with just one article, keep going!
--- Hey Ed! Say something funny. ---
It just doesn't happen like that. I'm not a funny guy. If I sit down and design something funny, I can be hilarious. But, I can't just say something funny.
On other hand, ideas are things that just happen. But, developing and writing that idea takes work. The act of writing doesn't "just happen."
When writing about an idea, you have to research idea to determine if it's feasible. If it looks good, then you have to research it again to become an expert---or at least knowledgeable on topic.
The other point to writing is that, even as a Technical Writer, you have to feel writing. This goes back to one of my previous articles, "Natural Writing." You have to learn your verbal style before you can become comfortable with your written style. Once you understand your own style of communicating, stick with it as it's most comfortable place to start. Let it evolve, but stay with it to ensure that writing feels good and flows.
--- And, have I read something you've written? ---
I don't even know if they can read much less if they've ever read something I've written. If name rings a bell, probably so! The point is that most people won't know about you unless you write!
Become a prolific writer and write for sake of writing. The more you write, better you become, more you publish, and more people will read your work.
