from a teller to a writer.

Recently, I watched a film called Storyteller, based on a story written by Satyajit Ray. If you don’t know who Satyajit Ray is, you must look up his biography. Honestly speaking, I found the story to be very calm and gripping. For some, it may seem slow, but I liked it. After I finished it, I found myself stuck with the idea of a storyteller and a writer.

There is no single source for storytelling, it may come from imagination, experience, memories, people, and many more influences. But does that mean a good storyteller is also a good writer? I don’t think so.

Storytelling is a craft that holds the audience in the moment while the story is being told, but writing one comes with more challenges. There’s structure, flow, errors, and whatnot.

I’ve always been a storyteller, whether as a child, telling my mother stories to scare her, or in college, spinning erotic tales for a friend just because he said I couldn’t do erotica. But when my journey as a writer began, I realised that most of the stories we tell are not worth reading.

The craft demands discipline, dedication, and focus, which in itself is extremely challenging. A good writer can be a good storyteller, but it’s not necessary that a good storyteller is also a good writer.

So, here’s my advice to my fellow writers, start ghost-writing. Not only will it enhance your writing skills, but it will also generate some cash for your survival. And when you become more polished, it’s never too late to get on your own journey as a writer.

Life isn’t a race. If it were, there would be one starting point for all, but in reality, there isn’t. Some people who see you as competition will try to slow you down, break your spirit, steal your ideas, and challenge your skills. When they do, ask them for the best piece they have ever written and show them the best piece you have written. But before that, focus on your journey of becoming writer form a storyteller.