I had an inquiry from a website visitor who is an aspiring writer. Anne emailed me with some writing related questions, one specifically that I get asked a lot so I thought I’d post my response here. She had asked what made me decide to become a writer.

“Writers are different from ordinary mortals. They flit through life with their antennae tuned to the moods and marvels of the planet. Like a detective, they’re always asking why, searching for answers, for truth. Like children they’re tuned into wonder. No matter what genre they choose, like poets charmed by the stark beauty of words. By the thunderclap of a verb. Their heads are full of books. And they simply love to think, tracking their thoughts like bloodhound on the scent.” - J. Morrell

From the time I was a young child I’ve always been enamored with words and as soon as I learned how to physically write, I wrote. I’ve always been an avid reader as well. Through my childhood, I remember going to the library and checking the maximum number of books allotted at one time. (around 20+ a week) I spent an enormous amount of time reading and writing. I’ve also always kept a notepad within arm distant, jotting down ideas and thoughts. I still do this.

You’ll find notebooks in pretty much every room of my home, in some places more than one. I am constantly jotting down notes, references and ideas. I even use my cellphone to-do list to sometimes jot down a random idea that might hit me while I’m on the bus or out and about somewhere. I also still read a lot; whether it’s books/articles on the computer, or books at home and work.

So I have never consciously thought “I want to be a writer”, I just always was a writer. Sorry, if this sounds totally lame, I know it’s not a terribly exciting answer.

Thanks for the question Anne. :)