Is Writing Your Calling?

by Julie Coulter Bellon

I was listening with interest to a discussion about whether being a writer can be a calling in life. Something you were born to do. One author said that she knew it was a calling for her because she constantly felt opposition when she was writing. Another author said that she had known for as long as she could remember that she was supposed to be a writer, and knew that she would be able to influence others for good through her writing.

As I listened to the discussion, I began to ask myself: Is writing a calling for me?

It’s a hard call to make from the discussion criteria. For instance, I’ve never really felt opposition when I’m writing. Of course, I have six children so I have a lot of interruptions and my writing time is limited. But can I count that as opposition? I don’t really think so.

I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. I’ve written stories since I was in second grade and I love telling stories. But does it really count when I also wanted to be a teacher, ballerina, doctor, archaeologist AND a writer?

So let’s say my calling in life is not as a writer, can I still be a writer? And are people who believe they are called to be writers, better than average writers?

I definitely think that there is a writer in everyone. Everyone has a unique point of view and a different way to express it. And, in today's world, there are so many opportunities for every type of writer---from books to blogs. It's easy to spot those who are good at expressing themselves and have found a writing "home" where they hone their craft. But did they feel it was a calling from the start? Maybe or maybe not, because you can learn the craft of writing and make improvements no matter where you start in the writing process. For me, I don't think that you necessarily need a "calling" to be a good writer. But it begs the question: if you don't feel writing is a calling for you, are you somehow less obligated to do it than a writer who feels they have a calling for it? How do you know for sure if it's your calling or not?

I think the differentiating line comes because those who feel that they were given a calling seem to have a special relationship with writing. As one author put it, “It was just always my instinct to do it, if that makes sense. As soon as I could pick up a pen and make words with it, my brain did the rest.” She felt like she was born to write and part of me really identified with her. I love seeing words come together and flow into a story and it’s always been that way.

But does that count as a calling?

I truly love writing, but even after some thought, I still haven’t decided if writing is really a calling for me. Writing is something I feel passionate about and it is something I need---and have since I was a child. I use it to relax and it is the one place where I can let my imagination roam. I think I’m a better person and a better mother when I’m writing, because I have something that is mine, that stretches my mind and helps me keep learning. I also love sharing my stories with others, but honestly, I don’t know if it was something I was given a life calling to do. There seems to be a fine line somewhere along the way. Yet, even if writing isn’t a calling for me, I don’t think I could give it up. I wouldn’t want to, anyway.

I’d really like to hear what you think. Is writing really a calling? Can you spot writers who have received the calling as opposed to writers who have not? Do you know it's a calling after you are successful at it or before? What has your experience been? Do you feel you have a calling in life to be a writer?

P.S. I forgot to announce the winner of my contest from last week! *drum roll please*

Elizabeth Hall! You are now the proud owner of my new book, All's Fair. I will be contacting you for mailing information shortly. Thank you to everyone who participated!