From crumpled papers and little scribbles at the edge of your books to unfinished word documents, you’ve always been a literary mess. Ever since you were young, you’ve been observing the people around you. Your parents and siblings were your first introduction to human behavior, and you studied them as if they were there solely for you to understand why people do the things they do. Once you learned the difference between the letters "A" and "B," you preferred to write them rather than say them. Maybe you come from a long line of writers or wrote a best-selling novel the same day that your coordination finally allowed you to grasp a pen with your pudgy toddler fingers. However, for most of us, the signs were a bit more subtle.
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1. You view writing as a form of therapy.
For you, putting words to paper is therapeutic. Whenever you feel angry, lonely or sad, that piece of paper next you will serve as the best advice that any friend can give you. If days pass without you writing something down, your emotions could go berserk. At this point, you know that it’s time to go back to your first love.
2. You love to read.
Putting your nose in a book is your definition of fun. While everyone else goes out to the movies or to a game, you prefer quiet time with your legs curled up in a fuzzy blanket and a book in your hands. Loaning a book out is difficult because the only thing that is going through your mind is, “What if she doesn’t bring it back?” You can’t even bear taking some books to certain places because of the fear of losing them.
3. You see every experience as a goldmine.
To you, nothing is a waste. Whether you get soaked in the rain or your dog playfully chases your neighbor’s son down the street, it’s something to write about. While others feel dejected by certain happenings, you do not because it’s something extra to add to your diary.
4. You are curious about your environment.
You are sensitive, empathetic and emotional. These attributes are great for a writer. You know when the regular dog is not at the park or when people start to act differently. Sometimes, you take an interest in things and objects that are often overlooked by others. That’s a trait that not everyone has. You’re always given the advice to “Forget about it,” but you just can’t.
5. You love listening to your own thoughts.
Thinking comes naturally to you. While others try as much as possible to avoid it, you embrace it. “Why do you think so much?” is probably a question that you’re often asked. The truth is, you don’t have an answer to that because you just do it!
6. You magically launch into a writing frenzy.
At first, writer’s block hits you and all that you see is a blank page. Minutes later, you’re scribbling away like you’re being chased by your thoughts. At times, you only planned on doing a half page write up. However, after some minutes, you’re already two pages deep and not even halfway there.
7. You observe and create stories about people.
Your eyes are never in one place. While everyone else is chattering away, you’re silently watching other people’s actions. Sometimes, you’re caught staring. At other times, you’re making up mental stories without anyone taking notice.
8. You love adventure.
Whether it’s a movie about a boy trapped in time, a love story about a woman who finally found true love after several heartbreaks or a fantasy about saving the day, your mind is never in one place. You love the thrill of creating pictures with your words. Leaving the present reality for short periods of time is what seems to keep you “alive." Sometimes, you’re accused of not paying attention. If only they could follow you into the world that you were in, then they’d understand.
9. You would rather write it than say it.
Once you began writing, you realized that your ability to think about something from so many different angles is the attribute that separates you from other writers. Your specific brand of thinking about the world is your voice, and now you know that all that time spent overthinking was practice for a writing career.
10. You never stop.
Even if you had the most demanding job that took up most of your waking hours, you would always find time to pen something. Even if you lost everything in this world, one of the first things that you would get would be a pen and paper. When you sleep, writing material is always at arm’s length. Something could pop out while you sleep, so why not write it down?
Doubting your ability to write is completely normal. Even Stephen King once felt that he was a terrible writer. Yet, he wrote some of the best novels and is still writing! You’re unique. You’re special. You’re a writer.
