Have you ever read a book and said "I could have written that"? Or thought you could write the great American novel and become rich and famous? Or maybe you just want to get all of those ideas out of your head?

When you think of a writer, what comes to mind? A guy hunched over a typewriter, pounding out his story in a darkened room? Someone who can barely function in the real world, who is only able relate to his writings?

The answer is all and none of the above. Writers come in all shapes, sizes and types. So why are there so many myths about writing?

To find the answer to that question, let's examine some of the myths regarding writers and writing.

Myth #1 - All writers make lots of money
Not every writer will make money off their work. Some writers work years without ever selling a single thing. Others never send their work out, which is a guaranteed way not to be published. While making money would be nice, most writers write to get their thoughts on paper.

Myth #2 - All writers are unhappy or crazy or both
Writers are extremely creative people and think in ways non-writers would never think. Most of the writers I know are happy people. They have their up days and down days, just like everyone else. The only difference is they use those emotions in their stories.

Myth #3 - You have to know someone in the business in order to get published
The publishing field is very subjective. What is acceptable to one editor might not be to another. That's not to say no one will ever get published unless they know someone in the business or are already famous. Having a contact would be nice, but honing your craft and making sure you've sent out the best work you can is really the only way to be published.

Myth #4 - In order to write you must have a quiet office devoted to only writing
Writers can write any where; sitting in a coffee shop, waiting at the doctor's office and even standing in line at the grocery store. All a writer needs to get their thoughts and ideas down is a pad of paper and a pencil, and the desire to write.

Myth #5 - In order to be a real writer, you must pay your dues
A lot of people think the only way you can be considered a writer is if you've been writing for many years, or endured many rejections and hardships. Real writers are the people who write. Regardless of how long they've been doing it, or how many times they've been told no.

Myth #6 - In order to write, you must be an intellectual egghead
Writers come from all walks of life. The only requirement is the desire to write. You don't have to be a college graduate to write, you don't even have to have graduate from high school. But you do need an understanding of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Otherwise, you are only writing for yourself.

Myth #7 - To be a writer, you must make writing your number one priority
Writer's have families, jobs, lives and hobbies. Yet they still find the time to write. They juggle all aspects of their life so the can put words to paper. That's what makes them writers.

Myth #8 - Anyone can write the Great American Novel
Anyone can write. This is true. But not everyone can write well. The first draft of any story isn't going to be perfect. Honing your skills as a writer is the only way to be able to write. Being able to accept criticism and suggestions is how good writers learn to be great writers.

Writing is a career bathed in mystery. So many want to write, but don't know how to being, or what to write once they start. The only true advice is to just pick up your pen and start writing. And never stop.

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About the Author

Dawn Arkin is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Poetry Contests. Her portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/darkin so stop by and read for a while.