Are Good Writers Born or Made?

 

My last two recent blogs discussed the genetics components of musical, artistic as well as vocal ( singing) talents and abilities of some of us. This article will be a related article, but the subject are about good writers, reporters, and novelists. So are Good writers Born or Made? Here's an article I found informative.

Good writing is a combination of both talent and skill by

Yewande Ade

As a writer, I believe that writing is a fantastic blend of talent and acquired skill. No writer can function without the two.

For every writer, there must at least be a great deal of passion. This is because when someone doesn’t fancy writing, no amount of training will make him want to write anything.

To this extent, K.M Weiland notes that a person may have the mental skills and experience required to be a better writer, but in the absence of a genuine interest in writing, his skills may not do him any good.

You can’t give what you don’t have.

There are natural-born writers who can simply pick their pen and creatively express themselves in the best way possible. However, talent is never enough.

Without regular practice and devotion, even the best writers won’t be as great or popular as they are. They keep showing up every day; that’s the root of their success.

Truly, one may possess the ability to write, but it’s like iron which must be sharpened regularly so it doesn’t become blunt.

We can’t compare a writer who exhausts hours refining and correcting his drafts so he can get the finest output to one who has the innate talent but does nothing to improve himself.

With constant writing, the burning desire to get better should exist for any writer who is truly passionate about his craft.

As much as we try to convince ourselves that writing is strictly inborn, if you don’t have the right tools or time to enhance it, no one will truly know how good you are. For this reason, writing comes with research, organization, deep thinking and analysis. Ordinarily putting pen on paper may suffice.

Truly, a good balance between both is what makes a good writer.

I often ask myself: would I even be able to write at all if I wasn’t constantly reading and learning it consciously and unconsciously?

Indeed, consistency and intentional effort is what got many writers to where they are today. By daily showing up, they carved a niche for themselves in the hearts of their readers.

When focusing on great writers, we are caught up in the success stories that they have become. No one particularly pays attention to the hard work which they put in before they reached a place of excellence. Training to be a better writer requires a lot more than talent.

You can’t completely enjoy the writing process if you aren’t willing to put in more time and energy.

Here are some quotations on this subject-The 90 secrets of the best selling authors. 

https://www.writersdigest.com/improve-my-writing/the-90-secrets-of-bestselling-authors

 And here's my take and personal account on the above subject.

 Am I a Born or Made Writer?

I am not quite sure what the correct answer is, but I feel I am both. My early childhood has never been devoted to writing or art activities. It was science and mathematics that was emphasized in my early education. Later in my high school years, for some twist of luck, I was chosen by my English instructor to be editor of our high school newspaper. I was forced to write articles as fillers for the newspaper and was taught the basics of news writing and editing. I also started writing poetry in both English and our national language (Tagalog). During my high school years, I entertained the thought of taking journalism as a career in college. My parents however discouraged me, stating there is no money in writing and I will not be able to support a family. They wanted me to be a lawyer, doctor of medicine or a catholic priest. At their urging, I enrolled as a pre-medical student at the University of the Philippines, Iloilo College. At the end of my second year, I learned I will never be a good doctor as the sight of blood nauseated me. I shifted to Chemistry and the rest is history.

My years as an undergraduate and graduate student emphasized science, mathematics and engineering. It was only after my retirement that I started blogging and learned that I enjoy writing. This is true also for my oldest son. He wrote a novel (Cloyne Court) after finishing law school and now is on his second novel. He told me he writes as a hobby and is a relaxation therapy for him. Writing to him is a good diversion from his hectic life as a prosecuting attorney here in Northern California.

There is a common saying that if you can talk, you can write. But great writing is a born talent and I believe can not be taught. The passion to write is born. People have different reasons why they write. A few writes for the sake of writing and can not survive without it. Others write to earn a living and work hard to be a successful writer, reporter or novelist.

So why do I write for Hubpages.com and continue writing for my blogs. First, I enjoy writing. Second, to advertise my beach resort in the Philippines and last but not least is to get affirmation from readers and other writers that they enjoy reading my articles. Reading positive comments from others is an ego boost and makes me feel alive and useful during this stage of my life (retirement and old age). It kept away the feeling of boredom and uselessness.

Getting a monetary award is another ego boost, but I have learned this is no longer my primary incentives why I am writing for Hubpages.com and blogging for my Googles Adsense earnings. I have also learned not to compare myself with the other writers/bloggers. I have my own style of writing and if I write from the heart, nothing can go wrong.

Most writers that I know write because they love writing. To them writing is just like breathing. These born writers do not work hard to create an excellent article, because their writing comes from the heart and their soul. Others write with a lot of work, training and pain. Good writers run in the family as exemplified by the family of Stephen King. Most writers however are made and only become good writers through hard work and constant practice. The most common traits of good writers are patience and persistence, whether their writing talent is inborn or just developed.

Allow me to quote Jan Bird a Face Book friend from UK and an excellent writer from her article, The Writing Bug. "Writing for me right now, is like love. It isn't something I do, it happens to me. It takes me completely by surprise when I least expect it and then it absolutely refuses to let go until it wants to. It's intoxicating and irrational".

This is how a born writer feels everyday of his/her life. Writing to inborn writers must feel like addiction or a compulsion that must be satiated.

How about you? Are you a born writer or a made writer? Do you agree with the statement that good writers can be made but great writers are born? I will be glad to hear from you!

 https://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com/2014/01/am-i-born-or-made-writer.html

 

Empanadas, Cheese Rolls and Pastries from Porto's Bakery

Last weekend my longing for empanadas has been satiated. Ditas had a 3-day visit with me. She brought with her 2 boxes of Porto's pastries, empanadas and cheese rolls that I have been enjoying the last few days. The empanadas both chicken and beef reminds me of Pinoy empanadas. But Porto's is of Cuban origin and its story is detailed in the reference at the bottom of this page. It is listed in the top 10 best and famous bakeries in California.

To be honest, this is my first time I heard about Porto's Bakery. All my bakery needs are fulfilled by Pinoy bakeries in the area( Starbread, Valerio and Goldilocks). All of my Empanada purchases are on line from Shef.com. All of my other bakeries needs are filled by either Safeway or Dash Mart Grocery. 

Here's the current menu of the bakery.

https://www.portosbakery.com/current-menu/

 

The Guava Rolls

The Chicken Empanadas

The Cheese Rolls

The bakery offers also cakes. This mango-mouse cake looks delicious.

 

Besides the above, Ditas brought with her the Chicken and Ham Croquettes

  For Details read:

 https://www.portosbakery.com/our-story/

Meanwhile, here's the latest photos of my red okra flowers

 

 

Are Good Singers Born or Made?

Macrine (RIP) and I are in this Choir of 250 Voices, 1954, UP Theatre, Diliman, QC, Philippines

The University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action (UPSCA) Choir, with Fr Delaney, President of UP Vidal Tan and Prof. Molina, 1954

In my last blog I discussed the genetic components of musical talent and artistic abilities. Today, I will answer the question "Is being a good singer Genetic"?

"Musicians are often described as talented or gifted, but is the ability to sing a talent or a gift? Are we born being able to sing or can we learn to sing? Singing is a very complex ability and its origin may not be as simple as a matter of nature vs nurture. 

Genetics undeniably play a role in singing. Your physiology affects the timbre of your voice and some singers are born with vocal apparatus that naturally makes their voice sound good. But there are many factors aside from genetics that create a good singer. 

The ability to sing isn’t necessarily something you’re born with. You can be born with the right genetics and physiological features that put you at a better vocal disposition to become a singer, but that doesn’t mean singing is innate. You have to learn how to use this vocal apparatus to be able to sing. 

Singing is partly innate, and partly a learnt skill. You can be born with vocal tracts that are physiologically sized and shaped to give your voice a more pleasing sound, naturally leading the way to becoming a singer. But controlling and configuring your vocal muscles in order to sing well is a learnt skill.  

Singing can come more naturally to some, but having a good voice isn’t something that’s determined from the moment you’re born. Singing is something that can be learnt, taught, and developed". 

Here's the article on both Macrine's(RIP) and my own singing activities in our younger years.

Macrine and I loved singing in the choir here in Northern California. In the late 1980's, we sang in our church choir on Sunday masses in Pinole, as well as with the UP Alumni, Berkeley Chapter Choir based in El Sobrante, California.

Nine years ago, we sang in our Church Choir here in Fair Oaks. We even sang a duet of Silent Night in Tagalog at the concert before the Christmas midnight mass. I am terrified to sing solo for the public to hear.

Macrine and I had also organized the Marinduque Association of the Capital Area( MACA) Christmas Caroling Group in Colesville, Maryland in the late 1990's.

Macrine used to be a soloist. She sang soprano coloratura in her younger days. Today her voice is ruined by her cigarette smoking. Her last singing activity was being paid to sing for a friend's wedding in the Philippines as well as here in US.

Singing solo and duet with Macrine at our residence in Silvercrest Street in Pinole, Ca. The bottom photo is view of our backyard and deck with the setting sun in the background hanging over the Pinole hills, 1989

 

 

Personal Note: There was an incident in my singing activities that I will never forget. For some reason or another, my solo voice( Church choir) was heard for a few minutes during mass at communion time when we were still residing in Pinole, CA. The whole congregation was surprise to hear a new soloist that they have never heard before. I was frozen with anxiety that my voice was horrible, but judging from comments I heard later, my solo voice was not that bad. That was my first and last solo performance for the public in my whole life. I later learned that the microphone of the other singers were off and mine was the only one working. This is a true story.  Hearing my amplified voice in the church did not sound too bad. It was terrifying but at the same time exciting to hear your own amplified voice heard by the whole congregation of more than 300 people. I am not a bad singer after all! But I am still a frustrated singer and will never sing solo again in public except in my bathroom.     

https://marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com/2019/10/choral-singing-reminds-us-of-our.html

https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/can-you-learn-to-sing/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my collection.

Amoingon Sunset, Chateau Du Mer, MRQ, PI (Photo Credit-Ella Lazarte)
 

 

Is Musical Talent/Artistic Ability Inherited?

Carenna( my youngest grand daughter) -Singer, Guitar Player and Composer

The other day I was reading my FB messages. There were communications  between my sister and brother. It was regarding my brother's children and my sister's grand children musical talents. It also reminded me of Carenna's musical abilities as a singer, guitar player and composer during her growing years.  This inspired me to write this blog. It answers my question if musical/artistic talent is inherited. Here's a summary on the genetic components associated with musical/artistic talents. References are at the bottom of the page.

"The gene AVPR1A on chromosome 12q has also been implicated in music perception, music memory, and music listening, whereas SLC6A4 on chromosome 17q has been associated with music memory and choir participation. Replication of these results in alternate populations and with larger samples is warranted to confirm the findings. Through increased research efforts, a clearer picture of the genetic mechanisms underpinning music ability will hopefully emerge".

There are research that points to personality traits and variables being tied to genetics.

“Being artistic or creative is associated with the personality trait of being open to experiences,” Garrison says. “Some research suggests that there are neuro biological foundations for creative individuals. Based on all available information, it is very likely that the capacity for creativity is shaped by genetic influences –– it’s a complicated way of saying that creativity and artistic interests can almost certainly be inherited.”

Personally, I never consider myself as talented in music. When I was in my preteens in the Philippines, my Mom forced me to study piano and the organ. I hated it and quit only after 2 weeks. My Mom was disappointed and never mention her dreams of molding me as a piano player. However, later in life I learned the beauty of music appreciation. Of course, my love for singing in the college choir during my college years as well as my participation with the church choirs at the urging of my wife Macrine(RIP) are the musical activities that I have enjoyed in my adulthood.   

Here's a statement about my Father on my blogs about his Drawing Abilities:

My Father could also draw freehand. His sketches and freehand drawing were beautiful. I know now that my children and grandchildren talents of drawing, sketching and painting is from his genes, since I have no ability at all to draw, paint or sketch. Here's a video of Ditas( my youngest daughter) Art show

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txBtqoHNIhI

 Here are the summaries about the genetics on musical and artistic talents:

 https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-inherit-creativity-science-says-yes#Your-artistic-skills-might-be-as-heritable-as-your-eye-color

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073543/

 

An Attempt to Steal one of My Garden Statuary or is it a Prank?

The statuary was Ditas project during her college years ceramic class-The TORSO
 

The other day, I woke up and saw the garden statuary (see photo above- From Ditas-The Torso) in the middle of my brown lawn. It was taken from its location on the side of my house by the driveway. Whoever, did this decided not to steal it ( a little bit heavy) and just dumped it in the front lawn. I decided to transfer it in backyard. It is seating very well with my okra plants as background. I have a good view of it from the sliding door in the Family room.

 

I have several garden statuaries and plaques. I love them as much as the plants, shruberries and flowers.   Here are two articles on my garden Statuaries, solar lights and Plaques.

Our Four Favorite Gardener's Plaques

During our more than 62 years of marriage, Macrine and I have collected several garden plaques and statues. The following four are our favorites. Do you decorate your garden with plaques and statuaries?

To Cultivate a Garden is to Walk with God

Gardeners Rule the Earth

All Things Grow with Love Plaque

One is nearer to God's Heart in a Garden than anywhere else on Earth

This is the second article on my solar lights.   

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2016/04/solar-lights-and-statuaries-in-my-garden.html

 

Photo Collection of Weddings in the David B Katague Family

Just recently, Alix, my grand daughter announced her engagement in FaceBook

So, hopefully, there will be two weddings in 2023 in the David B Katague Family. 

My other grand daughter, Elaine, has announced her engagement a few months ago. However no specific dates have been announced for Alix but hopefully the weddings will be next year also. With this news, I had an inspiration to compile the following photos of the five weddings in the immediate family including my own in 1957 ( see photo below) 

Our Wedding Group Picture- Boac, Marinduque, May 8, 1957

From Left to Right: Dr David J Katague ( father of the Groom), Elena Nieva Jambalos( mother of the bride), The Groom (Me), the Bride ( Macrine N Jambalos), Paz Barrido Balleza Katague ( Mother of the Groom) and Bernardo Jambalos, Jr. ( father of the bride)

The first wedding in the family was Dinah- my oldest daughter in 1986.

 This was followed a year later with Dodie's wedding-my oldest son

Then in 2002 was Ditas wedding-my youngest daughter

The most recent wedding in the family was Ian's- Dinah's son and my oldest grand child last November, 2021. Here are some photos

I am looking forward to the next two weddings of my two grand daughters next year.

Meanwhile here's a latest photo of my Okra, 9 inches long and growing.