qLife : Writing : How does a Writer know if they're any good?

toru: May 10, 2008 - 06:34 PM PST Doesn't a writer know they're a writer when they get published? Just joking..

classicalrocker: April 29, 2008 - 02:38 PM PST There are so many levels to writing on top of the fact that it is deeply personal. I like going by the rule that if you are bored or annoyed by reading your own writing then you need to fix something. There are a million rules of writing that you learn in college and writing books I find many of them really helpful, but honestly, you need to write what come from you, not a text book, just like Ray was saying. The only thing that bothers me with contemporary writers that I think need a bit more education with their writing are the "ly" adverbs. Personaly, the more of those in a work of writing the more annoyed I get.

raygunray: April 29, 2008 - 01:50 PM PST We wouldn't be writers if we didn't ask such questions. I liked the 'white hot core' metaphor and how it takes years to reveal it. Some already have it revealed and end up like Fitzgerald or other young writers who die young, physically or artistically.

The question I ask is: "Is this the kind of writing I'm supposed to be doing?"

jackfinn: April 29, 2008 - 12:39 PM PST An interesting piece from Salon (and a recurring feature).

It meant a lot to me ... especially the last sentence. Hope those of you who have asked yourself(selves?) a similar question appreciate it, too.