By Natalie Taylor
Writing well does not come as a bolt of lightning that turns someone into a great writer overnight. It is, like any other discipline, a craft that is built over time, with a conscious effort to improve. Certainly, a degree of innate ability with words and language must be at the core of any good writer, just as physical prowess is essential for the making of a great tennis or soccer star. But the exact proportion of effort to natural talent is unknown, and varies with each individual. The great thing about writing is that it can be taken up in later life, and still lead to excellence. In that respect it differs from sports, or endeavors like playing a musical instrument, where the possibility of reaching great achievements is limited, if not prohibitive in advanced years.
There are most likely many latent writers whose lives took them in different directions, different professions and skills, who have the seed within, just waiting to be nurtured and brought forth. Such examples exist in real life. Famous writers like Mark Twain, JRR Tolkien, Raymond Chandler, Toni Morrison, and Annie Proulx, all became accomplished and recognized well beyond their 40s. Some broke the time barrier even further—Laura Ingalls gained recognition with Little House on the Prairie at the age of 65; Frank McCourt won the Pulitzer Prize for Angela’s Ashes, also published at the age of 65; Harriett Doerr completed her novel, Stones for Ibarra when she was 74; and Millard Kauffman, the creator of Mr. Magoo, switched genres and published his first novel at the ripe age of 90. Perhaps there is no such thing as too late, when it comes to writing.
What is evident, however, is that becoming a good writer implies certain conditions—one has to love, and have loved the written word, one has to have read a lot, and one has to have a desire to emulate good writers. And finally, one must have a spark, and a moment in time to find the flint that makes the flame burst out. If you are someone who has thought about writing for a long time, but have not had the opportunity, or the impulse to get going, 2023 might be the moment. The San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival will once again be in our city, fully in-person, after a hiatus due to the COVID lockdown.
The event will take place from February 13 through the 18, at the Hotel Real de Minas. It will feature many excellent writers and teachers, with workshops, conferences, and keynote speakers. This is an excellent environment for finding, and nurturing your inner-writer, and to meet others who take the craft of writing seriously. Check all the details at: sanmiguelwritersconference.org
