The work of a writer is exactly that. It is more a discipline than a gift. To consider oneself a writer, one must do the work of a writer. This means making an effort, putting words on a page, one letter at a time, moving forward as one might hoe a row of corn. Sometimes the work might seem easy, one feels fresh and energetic, the weather is pleasant, and the smell of nature entices and stimulates. Other times it is only by sweat, determination, and constant plodding that the the slightest progress is made, inch by inch, stalk by stalk, in the heat of the sun and vapors of humidity.

Writing can be a long row to hoe. Try it.

The greatest writers have been proliferate, recording page after page even when it seems mundane or tedious. What would Dickens have been if he had stopped at The Pickwick Papers? Would the Apostle Paul be so well known if he had only penned one or two epistles? Would Mark Twain be so famous if he had not continued to produce copy?

The Book of Proverbs says that in the multitude of words, there is no lack of sin. Proliferate writers must always have some works that are lesser than others. Some authors may even tend to blatant error, or may seem to be always off base. Some can never get it right, but still find a readership. No one gets it right every time. But those who put in the most effort will generally decrease their chances of failure, and improve their hopes of success. Better the sins of proliferation than those of laziness or negligence.

Is writing always enjoyable? If it is only hoeing a row, then perhaps not. But writing must be more than that. Aside from being an activity that requires initiative and some exertion, there is the requirement for the creative spark, the inspiration of the Muse, a higher consciousness. It is this potential for greater reward, the thrill of the chase, that motivates the writer. What unsearchable wealth of thought and ideas remain to be explored! There is no end of possibilities. The pleasures of discovery make it all worthwhile.

What can be discovered? The truth. About ourselves, about others, about the universe. Reading may give us material for thought, but it is writing that gives us the opportunity to work out the ideas that are passing though our minds. Writing is more than a means of communication. It becomes part of the thinking process, and ultimately a part of our psyche

So if you want to be a writer, write. In the morning. In the afternoon sun. In the evening. Write in the darkest night. Accept the task of writing that you have assigned yourself with the same discipline that you already apply to other areas of your life. No one ever said it would be easy.  Write much and write often.  That’s what writers do.