ARE WRITERS BORN, OR MADE?

               

This seemingly simple yet complex question made me think about a lot of things - about the craft of writing and how amazing writers had such talents to capture readers. Were they already good in scribbling down words when they started writing? Were they born natural and already had it in them? Or did they start from scratch and painstakingly worked hard to achieve their dispositions now? 

 

As a graduate student in an art school, I understand the concept of having individual shine raw talent as a measurement of one skill to be accepted in a fine institution where only the best of the best is accepted. I also understand the tedious process of talented individuals’ undergoing early morning training to start the day with learning techniques and masterclass and late-night practices to perfect routines, practice the skill that one may be lacking or practice to develop the said skill. And I think that also goes with being a good writer. 

 

            Many may argue that some renowned authors today were born with innate skills to create masterpieces. That they were born to be exceptional and that the ability to sew ideas together is just a part of their system. Some may even think that renowned writers just create books that automatically screams success! That they can create pieces that will be famous worldwide with several movie adaptations and franchises.

 

Although that is of high possibility, in my point of view, a good writer is made. This is mainly because, despite having the potential to be a writer, one will not be that successful without taking the initiative to hone this and develop it further. It is vital that one improves the skills that he or she has in order to meet the above standard way of producing literary pieces. One can attend training or workshops to ingest new techniques in writing. One can grasp new concepts about how to allure readers and make his or her material worth every minute. 

 

“Good writers are developed. It takes practice and work. And just like any other talent, it is never too early to cultivate it. Kung nagagawa mo ‘yan sa pagsasayaw, what makes writing any different?” my friend Bianca said, who was one of our school publication’s creative writers, during our random conversation way back high school, may I just share. She furthered that she worked so hard to keep the quality of her writing skills up with the others in her batch. She had to write numerous pieces of articles, poems and essays so she can improve not only her technique but also the range of her vocabulary. She faced several failures during press conferences and contests, but she made those setbacks as a positive motivation – cues to better her best. Giving up was never an option for her. And so, she graduated with the highest rank in creative writing and even received a special award for being exceptionally good at her craft. 

 

Let me end this with how Solange Nicole quoted, “A diamond doesn't start out polished and shining. It once, was nothing special, but with enough pressure and time, becomes spectacular.”