However, what society
recognises as a 'writer' is some untouchable being that creates fiction of pure
gold and profound knowledge. Every prolific writer seems to be 'unique' in the
sense that no one but J K Rowling could have produced Harry Potter and no one
else will create anything to a similar degree, although the same is said about
Suzanne Collins. With successful books being turned into lucrative film franchises,
these authors and their works are effectively defining generations as the books
and films span decades. The word ‘writer’ carries a lot more weight as a result
of this. If you conducted a survey on any random sample of people asking who
their favourite writer was, every single person would name someone famous/published
because it is these two features that we acknowledge when discussing a
'writer'. It is the same with any other art form. When asked to name an actor,
you wouldn't choose your neighbour who's currently the lead in the school play.
You associate the word 'actor,' just as with 'writer,' with heavy connotations
of fame.
Conversely, it can be said
that anyone who writes is a writer, as there is no large difference between
someone who writes for pleasure and someone who writes for a living.
Based on both of these
arguments, I have to say I believe that not just anyone who writes is a writer,
only those who choose writing as a career. Talent and success level have no
real bearing on my definition of a writer.
Your example of not recognising your next door neighbour in the school play as an 'actor' is an interesting one. It has made me wonder if it is the semblance of professionalism that is the key here? As you say, if you dance you could say you are a 'dancer' but someone who drives a lorry during the day and dances in a club on a night out with friends is unlikely to refer to themselves as a 'dancer' even at the moment that they are actually dancing. If the person dancing in a club is, however, someone who also dances professionally for a ballet company then we would understand them to be a 'dancer' in the professional sense and expect them to call themselves a dancer. This begs the question, 'Do you become a 'writer', as opposed to someone who writes, when you are paid for your writing?' Or, is being published a good enough substitute. There really isn't a lot of money in writing... :0)
ReplyDeleteYou've hit the nail right on the head there. It's our language that expresses all these connotations that we need to get around in order to understand words and terms. Indeed, talent and success level have no bearing on who is a writer or not. I believe you when you talk about how writers are ones who get published. It doesn't matter if they're tucked away on a shelf somewhere or at the front of the shop with a massive promotional poster. If your work is out there, you're a writer.
ReplyDelete