A week ago, I issued a challenge on my Facebook page: Ask me a question, any question, about writing, and I would develop a series of posts around that. One question came up that generated a lot of thought.

What must I do to be a writer?

At first, I dismissed the possibility of developing several posts centering around that question. Impossible, right? No, definitely possible. I began thinking. I could do that. Absolutely. So I sat down and listed out what it takes to be a writer. I came up with this list of eight:

• Courage
• Patience
• Curiosity
• Time
• Talent
• Teachability
• Persistence
• Independence

These are necessary in order to succeed as a writer of not only fiction but also non-fiction. Why should writers possess these eight qualities?

• A writer needs curiosity to fire the imagination.
• A writer needs talent as the raw material for becoming a better writer.
• A writer needs teachability perfect the craft.
• A writer needs independence to fulfill potential.
• A writer needs time to become a better writer.
• A writer needs courage in all parts of writing, from drafting the rough draft to producing the finished product.
• A writer needs patience to make it through the numerous obstacles that occur during the writing process.
• A writer needs persistence to endure.

Each of these qualities stretch across all facets of the writing process, from the germination of an idea, to the drafting of a manuscript, to the production of the book. That may be surprising, but I firmly hold to that idea. In each of the eight posts related to on-the-edge suspense, I’ll strive to show how writing necessitates these qualities.

You may think something like, “Well, I’m not a writer. I like to read, but I’m definitely not interested in writing.”

That’s okay. Think of your life, of another talent you might have. I wouldn’t be too terribly surprised if those qualities can translate into something else. At the end of each post, I’ll challenge you with a couple of questions to get you thinking.

And if other questions pop up? Drop me a line via my contact page or by using the other methods on my website or even by a comment to this post. I’d be honored to address you questions.

This post does not mention any products. Therefore, I am not receiving any compensation for writing this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”