I started my first writers' group when I was eleven – I was the president, and my little cousin was the vice-president. We didn't see each other often, so we sent out newsletters each month, reporting on our progress. Then, when we got together, we'd read each other our stories and discuss what would come next.

My cousin stopped writing long ago, but I never did. Now, as I reflect on my first year as a freelance writer (without what people like to call a real job) I realize that I've learned a lot about myself – and about writing. And I realize that there are some things that only writers can understand.

1. Not Everyone Can Write

   When I worked in advertising, clients and coworkers alike seemed to believe that "anyone can write." Not everyone can paint a portrait or engineer a minivan, but everyone can write. Most people just choose not to write because they don't find it especially enjoyable.

   On the contrary, true writing is a talent. An art. Sure, anyone can string words together, but not everyone can make them come alive – give them rhythm and feeling. It takes talent to write something that inspires. Real writing is a skill that must be practiced and nurtured.

2. There are Two Kinds of Writers

   There are people who enjoy writing, and there are people who need to write. The former occasionally pick up a pen and scribble down a few words. The latter carry a handful of pens at all times – just in case. To these writers, writing is a necessity. A natural-born addiction. Addicted writers are happiest when they're writing, and they experience withdrawal if they're not.

   I'm an addicted writer. At the agency where I used to work, a coworker once jokingly suggested that we work ten-hour days – and take Mondays off. Another writer on the team was mortified. "Could you write ten hours a day?" he asked me.

   "I already do," I answered. At that point, I had my advertising job, a weekly column in a newspaper, a daily-updated web site, and the side stuff I wrote just because.

   Writing isn't just a job – or a hobby – for addicted writers. It's life.

3. You Can't Just Write

   You can't just sit down in the morning and tell yourself, "Okay. now write." Some people can work this way – like carpenters. They can go to work in the morning and cut wood. For writers, it's not that easy. We need something to write about. We need to get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes, we just need to play.

   During a typical day, I spend a lot of time online. I go for walks. I meet friends for coffee. I wash dishes. And I'm not goofing off. I'm just waiting for inspiration. Often, when I'm sitting in front of the TV, I'm actually dreaming up my next plot.

   Just because no one can see that you're working, it doesn't mean you're not. In fact, if you want to get technical, you're always working because...

4. Life is Research

   Writers have a reason for going out and living life. It's research. Every person we meet, every conversation we have, every place we go could show up in a story somewhere, someday.

   You never know – your college roommate's PEZ^® dispenser collection may be just the thing you need to add personality to a character you're creating.

5. Writing Takes Patience

   Career writers need to overcome the writer's catch-22 – you can't get published unless you have an impressive portfolio, but you can't get that portfolio unless you get published.

   Often, this means settling for free publicity – letting publishers use your work without paying you. It's not exactly ideal, but that's how it goes. Unless you're the heir to a publishing empire, you're going to have to work your way to the top.

   When I get something published, my non-writing friends and family typically ask, "How much did they pay you?"

   "Nothing," I respond, suddenly feeling less spectacular – like a little girl who spends all day coloring a portrait of her dad, and, when she shows it to him, he asks, "Is that a giraffe?"

   When someone publishes your writing, it means that someone likes what you've written. It means that you might actually have some sort of talent after all. But non-writers don't necessarily understand that part.

   Once you have that golden byline, it goes straight into your portfolio. And when you write your next query, the editor will stop and take notice when he or she reads, "I've been featured in the following publications." And, sooner or later, you may just get a byline and a check.

6. There's More to Being a Writer Than Just Writing

   Career writers don't just sit around and scribble all day, waiting for editors to come to them. Unless you're Dave Barry, people aren't exactly beating down your door, begging for your latest thoughts on Jell-O^®. Thus, you need to go out and search for markets. You need to write queries. And, unfortunately, you need to sort through rejection letters.

   Being a writer isn't all fun and games. Actually, it's pretty discouraging sometimes – but it's also rewarding. And, well, if you're addicted, you have no choice but to keep working.

7. Writers Need a Support Group

   Putting your heart and soul out there for critique isn't easy. In fact, it's often painful. And no one understands what you're going through like other writers. That's why it's important to surround yourself with encouragers – people who believe in you and in your talent.

   Keep writer friends close at hand. If you have real, live friends who write, that's perfect. If not, join a writers' group online. Make sure you have friends who can rejoice with you when you get published (even if you don't get paid).

8. Some People Just Won't Understand

   It's inevitable that some of your friends will think you're crazy when you stay up all night, trying to rewrite a sentence – or when you reach for a pen in the middle of dinner. But your writer friends understand.

   And when you're still up at 4 AM and you email one of them to ask for an opinion on a plot twist, don't be surprised if you get an instant response.

   Because there are actually a few other people out there who are just as crazy as you are.

J. Kristin Dreyer is an advertising drone turned freelance writer and an admitted writing addict (but if there were some kind of 12-step program for writing addicts, there's no way she'd join). Her articles may be found at a number of web sites, including Your Wedding Plan and Society Check.