You Might Be a Writer If… You Live for the Magic of Storytelling

As the author of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who recently celebrated 500 visitors, I’ve come to see writing as more than a craft—it’s a way of life, a lens through which the world sparkles with possibility. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re a writer deep down, here are some signs that you’re caught in the magic of storytelling, woven with my own journey of creating books, growing my blog, and spreading hope.

You Find Stories in the Everyday

You might be a writer if a child’s giggle or a sunset over the Emerald Coast—like the one that inspired Discovering Misty—spins into a tale of adventure or courage. I’ve paused mid-conversation with my kids to jot down a line for a blog post or a scene where George and the eagle faces a storm. Writers see the world as a canvas, where every moment holds the potential for a story.

You Rewrite Life in Your Head

You might be a writer if you mentally revise real-life moments into better scenes. Stuck in traffic? I’m imagining Misty swimming through a coral maze, outsmarting a tricky current. Writers don’t just live life—they rewrite it, adding dialogue, drama, or a happy ending. My blog often captures these reimagined moments, turning everyday family chaos into stories that resonate with readers.

You’re Addicted to the “What If” Game

You might be a writer if “what if” is your favorite question. What if a mermaid discovered a hidden tiara? What if an eagle carried a message of hope? These questions fuel my books and keep me up at night, scribbling ideas for George and the Brave Eagle. Writers are curious souls, always chasing the next big idea, whether it’s for a children’s book or a blog post about finding light in tough times.

You Feel Like Your Characters Are Real

You might be a writer if your characters feel like old friends—or rivals. When I write about Misty or George, I cheer their victories and ache over their struggles. I’ve even caught myself talking to them while drafting, as if they’re sitting beside me. If you’ve ever mourned a character’s choice or celebrated their growth, you’re living the writer’s life.

You Hoard Ideas Like Treasure

You might be a writer if your phone notes, desk drawers, or even grocery lists are filled with story snippets, character names, or random lines of dialogue. My workspace is a treasure trove of ideas for my next book or blog post, mixed with notes for my George and the Brave Eagle crowdfunding campaign. Writers collect ideas like seashells, knowing each one could be the start of something extraordinary.

You Love the Grind (Even When You Don’t)

You might be a writer if you keep writing through self-doubt, tight deadlines, or the challenge of promoting your work. Balancing my blog, book revisions, and outreach to bookstores for Discovering Misty isn’t always easy, but the thrill of a finished page or a reader’s kind comment—like one praising Misty’s charm—makes it worth it. Writers push through because the story demands to be told.

You Write to Make a Difference

You might be a writer if your words carry a bigger purpose. For me, it’s about crafting stories that spark joy in young readers while weaving in themes of hope and resilience—values tied to my advocacy for suicide prevention. Whether I’m sharing a blog post about family reading or a book about a brave eagle, I write to leave the world a little brighter, encouraging others to find strength in tough moments.

You Celebrate the Small Wins

You might be a writer if a single blog comment or a new book sale feels like a victory parade. Hitting 500 blog visitors was a milestone I celebrated with a big grin, and every step forward with George and the Brave Eagle—like a new supporter on GoFundMe—feels like magic. Writers know that every word, every reader, and every story matters.

If these signs sound familiar, you might be a writer—and that’s a beautiful thing. Grab your pen, open your laptop, or even dictate to your phone. The world needs your stories.

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

Shirley

© 2025, Shirley Ulbrich, S. M. Ulbrich, Pages Alight. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.