You Might Be a Writer If…

As an author of children’s books like Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, and the creator of a blog that recently celebrated its 500th visitor, I’ve learned to recognize the quirks and passions that define a writer’s life. Writing isn’t just a craft—it’s a way of seeing the world, a spark that lights up the mundane and transforms it into stories. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re a writer at heart, here are some telltale signs, woven with my own journey of storytelling and spreading hope through my books and blog.

You See Stories Everywhere

You might be a writer if a walk along the beach—like the Emerald Coast that inspired Discovering Misty—turns into a tale of mermaids or brave eagles soaring overhead. Every overheard conversation, every quirky detail in a coffee shop, or even the rhythm of waves becomes a seed for a story. I’ve found myself scribbling ideas on napkins during family outings, unable to resist the pull of a new character or plot twist.

You’re Obsessed with Words

You might be a writer if you spend ten minutes debating whether “glimmer” or “sparkle” better captures a mermaid’s tail in the sunlight. I’ve caught myself tweaking sentences for my blog posts or George and the Brave Eagle long after I should’ve hit “publish” or “save.” Writers live for that perfect phrase, the one that makes a reader pause and feel something deep.

You Feel All the Feels

You might be a writer if you cry over your characters’ struggles or laugh out loud at their victories, even if they only exist in your head. When I wrote about Misty’s adventures or George’s courage, I felt their joys and fears as if they were my own. Writers are emotional alchemists, turning personal experiences into universal stories that connect with readers—whether it’s a child giggling over a picture book or a parent moved by its message.

You’re a Chronic Daydreamer

You might be a writer if you zone out during a conversation, not because you’re bored, but because you’re imagining a scene where a brave eagle saves the day or a tiara holds a secret. My family’s used to me staring into space, lost in a world I’m building. Daydreaming isn’t procrastination—it’s plotting, world-building, and character development in disguise.

You Collect Notebooks (and Chaos)

You might be a writer if your desk is a sea of notebooks, sticky notes, and half-finished outlines, each one holding a fragment of your next big idea. My workspace is a testament to this, with notes for Discovering Misty: Friends Forever mingling with crowdfunding plans for George and the Brave Eagle. Writers thrive in organized chaos, where every scribble could be the start of something magical.

You Find Joy in Connecting with Readers

You might be a writer if your heart skips a beat when someone comments on your blog or leaves a review for your book. Seeing my blog hit 500 visitors felt like a party, and every email about Discovering Misty—like the one from Rachel Caldwell praising its charm—fuels my drive to keep going. Writers don’t just write for themselves; they write to spark joy, hope, or wonder in others, whether it’s through a children’s book or a blog post about resilience.

You Can’t Stop, Even When It’s Hard

You might be a writer if rejection, writer’s block, or funding hurdles (like my ongoing campaign for George and the Brave Eagle) don’t stop you from putting words on the page. Writing is a calling, not a choice. Even on tough days, I find myself back at my keyboard, crafting a blog post or tweaking a manuscript, because telling stories is how I make sense of the world.

You Tie Stories to Something Bigger

You might be a writer if you weave deeper meaning into your work, like I do by connecting my stories to themes of hope and empathy—values that echo in my advocacy for suicide prevention. Whether it’s a blog post about family reading or a book about a mermaid’s courage, writers use their words to uplift and inspire, leaving a ripple effect beyond the page.

If any of these ring true, you might just be a writer. Embrace it! Grab a notebook, let your daydreams run wild, and start telling the stories only you can tell.

For me, it’s about bringing Misty and George to life, growing my blog, and sharing messages of hope—one word at a time.

Shirley