The writer does indeed need all the items you listed. What makes the writer different than those who meet your three requirements, but are still not writers?..It is the impulse to write. The impulse that consumes and torments the writer to action and inaction. it is the muse, the dreaded block, the nagging gnawing idea that will not be left alone until it is somehow realized. The blessing and curse of our lot! And now, I think, a drink! cheers, andrew

Jon,

In my case, the difference was not in my mind as much as it was in my level of motivation. I saw so many aspiring writers fall by the wayside, while I plugged along. And to this day, I have no idea what motivated me.

While I agree that anyone might be trained in writing techniques, what constitutes ability is the (perhaps innate) inclination to use words as a painter uses color and form to represent a fresh view of all that we perceive. I suppose we call that creativity, as opposed to practicality.

To illustrate, this is how my husband and I might react to the same stimulus:

1. The color red – discussed at length on TBD. To me a wonderful color representing childhood, kookiness, unconventional taste. To my husband, “You want to paint the cabinets WHAT?!!”

2. Dandelions – when I see one, I now think how the direction of my offspring has been cast to the wind, to bloom again I know not where (thank you, Jon). My husband thinks how the direction of his offspring behind the lawnmower went astray and missed a few.

3. A small child’s wonder at the night sky – I offer a wish and a fable. My husband elaborates on light years and our present theories on the physics of stellar thermal reactions, or something like that.

While I can indulge endlessly in distinguishing the fine shades of meaning between synonyms or the same word in differing contexts, he thrives on painting the cabinets, maintaining the yard, and calculating an infinite stream of figures to within certain finite tolerances, or something like that, to meet Friday’s deadline.

We have minds no different than our non-writing brethren. What we DO have is perception that they lack. We see things differently than anyone else, because we have the power to mold what we see, thus giving us power to create. Think about that in an abstract since. We...are...Gods.

Seriously, think about it.

Jon, I don't think a writer's

mind is that much different from anyone else's mind. Except when you get the need to write or feel the rush of a story, or an idea, to quickly write it down as soon as it pops into your head. But there are certain

things that defines the minds of the writers and the non writers.

Sometimes, you can be lying in bed, when all of a sudden, a good storyline or something to do with writing a novel or poetry would cause you to jump out of bed, pick up that pen, and start writing. Whereas, a person who is not interested in writing, will just think about it for a second. Then forgets all

about it. But a writer's need for writing a good novel will always be present in their minds. So this is where the definition of the minds of a writer and a non writer comes in play. This defines the minds.

"the greatest need every human being has is the need to be appreciated" Dale Carnegie. I think writers just need it more. The only difference being, we are more willing and more courageous, about baring our souls to get it.

Macleod, your medication is wearing off.