The Art of Writing

Writing is really the art of listening to what is in your heart and then the practice of writing it down.

As writers, we are endowed with a special gift that allows us to hear and then write. As we practice, we learn we do not have to think something up, we simply listen and write it down.

As creative people, we have to learn to believe in ourselves and the ability we have to write. I take the position that our skill and ability did not originate with us - it is a gift, not anything we must invent. Our responsibility is to hone our skills and invest in ourselves. I also take the position that in order to be a good writer, we have to allow ourselves to be a bad writer. There is a gift involved in writing that cannot be taught. It’s just like a good athlete with a gift, they become great through practice.

As writers, we learn over time to be confident in ourselves and our gift. Other people need our words and our creativity.

The Literary Midwife

Cynthia L. Hatcher