I’m not entirely sure about this part. Most of the ‘writers’ I’ve spoken to, myself included, tend to believe they are great while simultaneously doubting every word they’ve written. For me, writing is something I have to do, great or not. I don’t put much out there for the public, but I consider myself a writer nonetheless. I can honestly say I have no idea if any of it is good or if it’s all the useless ramblings of a nobody. For example, some people paint. Out of those that paint, some are great and some are terrible, but aren’t they all still painters?

Then again, I do agree there are people who write solely for self-serving purposes. It’s easy to spot a writer who lacks the passion for knitting words together. I don’t know that I would call those people writers at heart.

I guess I’m just curious if passion makes a writer or if it’s the combination of passion and skill? You are right, there are endless books, blogs and articles littered everywhere on the Internet, but does crappy writing automatically kill your chances? If the desire is there, shouldn’t someone be able to improve on expressing it?

You are a brilliant writer, by the way. I’ve read a few of your posts and thoroughly enjoyed them.