ISWG: Did You ‘Know’ You Wanted to be a Writer?

Published on by Debbie Johansson

Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to another year of reading, writing, and blogging.

Did you just suddenly ‘know’ you wanted to write? My writing journey did not start with a particular book, movie or story; that would come later. No, my writing journey started simply by attending school. In primary school, one of my favourite things to do, was when the teacher wanted us to write our own story (or comprehension as we knew it) as a special project.

Whenever we were asked to do these, I would get an inner thrill, my imagination would take hold and I was always eager to begin writing. I remember receiving good marks on a story about a slater (of all things)! I remember it was about a family of them and the father was killed by someone stepping on them. I guess I had morbid thoughts even back then. 😉 In sixth class, we needed to write a story set during the Australian gold rush, and I wrote it out neatly in an exercise book, where my mother did the cover art. I even had a poem pinned to the school noticeboard for everyone to read. I was embarrassed by such attention.

I was about ten years old when I remember I was talking to my teacher one lunchtime. I don’t recall exactly what we were talking about, but it must have had something to do about my writing because I thought to myself how great it would be to write stories for a living. That was my moment; that was when I knew I wanted to be a writer.

Uncle Fester was always a favourite. 😉

As I grew older, despite having a family that mocked my writing aspirations, I continued to persevere. I learned how to touch-type, did courses by correspondence, read writing magazines whenever I could and joined professional organisations. It wasn’t until I met my husband and left home that I began to feel comfortable with who I truly am.

It took a long time to get to this point (insecurity being my biggest hurdle), but I am finally published. It’s taken a lot of persistence and hard work to be able to call myself a writer. I have always been one really; it’s just taken me a long time to own it.

Did you always ‘know’ you wanted to be a writer? What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story or series? Was it a teacher/friend/coach/spouse/parent?


The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

Main image courtesy Pixabay

21 thoughts on “ISWG: Did You ‘Know’ You Wanted to be a Writer?”

  1. I was like you, I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I started writing stories when I was in preschool. I loved reading books with my grandma, and I wanted to write my own.

    I’m sorry your family wasn’t supportive. That must have been really frustrating.
    My family was always very encouraging with my writing aspirations and I’m so thankful to have had that experience. I’m sorry you didn’t have that support and encouragement too 🙁

    1. Hi jyvurentropy. I’m glad you had such a supportive family, that makes all the difference. For me, I’m just glad my stubbornness allowed me to push past the negativity from others. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to meet you. 🙂

  2. It’s great getting to know you better. 🙂 Personally I’ve always been a writer since childhood, but without my mom’s constant support I probably never would’ve ever finished my first novel (still unpublished at the moment)

    1. Hi Jonny. What a wonderful mum; you’re lucky to have her! Best of luck with the novel. 🙂

  3. Yes, I’ve wanted to be a novelist since elementary school. I was discouraged by well-meaning people and didn’t get brave enough to go after it until a couple of years ago. I’m still unpublished, but hope springs eternal.:-)

    1. Hi Priscilla. I’m sorry that you had to experience all that, but I’m glad you found the courage to go with your instincts. You’ll be published one day, I’m sure of it! 🙂

  4. This – “I have always been one really; it’s just taken me a long time to own it.” – is my favorite part of the post. Good for you for hanging in there and yeh for persistence! 🙂

      1. Thanks, Janet. It’s good to know we’re not alone. 🙂

  7. Wow, I was so touched to read your story and realize the similarities between us. It was exactly the same experience for me at school! I’m so glad you persevered, Debbie.

    1. Thanks, Yvette! I was lucky to have such supportive teachers and my stubbornness just came naturally. 😉 Thanks for stopping by; it’s good to meet you!

  8. I’m so sorry your family wasn’t supportive. That sucks, but congratulations on persevering and getting published! And on embracing who and what you are.

    1. Thank you, Janet! I was lucky to have found such a supportive husband; I don’t know where I’d be without him. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

  9. I’m so glad you’ve finally come to a place where you can own being a writer 🙂

    1. Thank you, Ronel and thanks for being a moderator this month! 🙂

Comments are closed.