Scrivere: To Write

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Scrivere: To Write

March 12, 2012 by orvietoorbust

writ·er [rahy-ter] noun. a person engaged in writing

The words scribbler, dabbler, pencil pusher and hack all come to mind as a description of the activity in which I am now engaged. But the term “writer” – that particular word sticks in my throat. For me the title has always been reserved for those who actually deserve it, such as the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Capote, Irving and Bradbury.

So what makes someone a “real” writer? Are you a writer when you are paid to write? If so, how much money buys you this status? Is a writer someone who gets published? Today’s publishing landscape has changed to include self-published websites, bloggers, contributors, ghostwriters, editors, etc. Which of these capacities qualifies you as a writer and which do not? How many people in the world must agree that you are a writer in order for you to call yourself one? Do people fill out a ballot designating you as such? What is the litmus test one must pass to become a member of this elite club?

Even if I had answers to the above questions perhaps they might not amount to a hill of beans? Could it be that the name you give yourself isn’t really that important? Perhaps it isn’t what you say you do that matters, but that what you do brings about fulfillment. Every day I sit down at my computer and put words onto a page. Maybe that’s all I really need to know. I write.

by Toni DeBella

Posted in Expat in Italy, Italy, Living abroad, Living in Italy, Orvieto, Travel | Tagged Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Irving, Ray Bradbury, Scrivere, Truman Capote, What is a writer, writing | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on March 12, 2012 at 1:56 pm | Reply Ingrid

You are read therefore you are a writer x
- on March 12, 2012 at 11:36 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Ingrid. I don’t think I would have continued to write without people like you, Janine and Lisa showing me the way and offering support. Keep on writing and I will keep on reading you as well. xxo.t
on March 12, 2012 at 4:03 pm | Reply Carol Solfanelli

You don’t just talk about writing – you actually write. Therefore, you are a writer.
- on March 12, 2012 at 11:51 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  ahh Carol. Thanks. Notice I didn’t ask the question what makes a “good” writer? I am not ever going there. We all have our creative outlets and I am happy that I found this one. Thanks for your support and…BTW: I am in Italy until 10 May and have a big apartment. I also plan to be back here sometime in the fall. I’m just saying…xo t
on March 12, 2012 at 5:48 pm | Reply janinevasta

It’s such a great time in history to write don’t you think? I mean it’s really as easy (or as difficult some days!) as pushing publish. But there’s more to it than that. Truly I was thinking about this over the weekend and how much easier it is to write when you have something inside you REALLY want to share. So I’m starting to think that we write because we have to. And that in writing we unleash a more ideas and thoughts that in turn need to be written… Have I lost you? Oh and I love your writing Toni so just keep doing it. Please! 😉 Jxx
- on March 12, 2012 at 11:48 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  J: Yes, you lost me…in another idea for a post. LOL You are right on every count. Once we express ourselves honestly the flood gates sort of open up and from then on friends and family are subjected to our ramblings. 🙂 I get a thought, I sit down and it’s as though someone moves my fingers – when it’s something you have to say, it feels like talking to a friend across the dinner table. Does it feel that way to you? Anyway, writing this blog brought me your friendship and support – so it’s all good!! Write away “fellow writer” – you have soo much more to say and I can’t wait to “read” it. xxo t
on May 5, 2012 at 4:56 am | Reply Anthony

Such challenging questions for a writer! The word catches in my throat too, like undeserved accolade. I agree with Jasnine. I write because I have to, and I can give voice to characters in my head. If I didn’t, I think nurses in white coats might just come to lock me up. So I need to stay a step ahead of them, leaving a trail of words that should hopelessly confuse them! Anyway thank you for your blog, a pleasure to follow – especially for one who has moved away from Italy after 30 years, and loves missing it, albeit from the white candy beaches of Bali.
- on May 5, 2012 at 5:03 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Anthony…writing gets under your skin, doesn’t it? I never knew I would write but it came on suddenly and in my “second” half of life. I am so grateful for it now and can’t imagine my life without it….better late than never! Thanks for following me and please keep in touch from the sandy beaches and blue waters of Bali. Stupendo!!! Toni
on June 1, 2012 at 12:29 pm | Reply Too Tall To Be Tuscan

I always find it interesting to ask, what compels you to write? Where do you draw your inspiration from? What do you do to arm yourself with the necessary perserverance to see a writing project through? Anyways, I’m glad you write and that you’re a writer! Bellissimo blog!
on June 1, 2012 at 1:22 pm | Reply orvietoorbust

From one to another, thanks for writing too….writing is what keeps me going these days. Hugs.t