Poet, Writer, Author

[dublinheart]

What is the difference between poet, author, and writer? Which one do you consider yourself? If you had to choose one, would you be a poet, writer, or author? :D

[whitehawke]

What is the difference between poet, author, and writer? Which one do you consider yourself? If you had to choose one, would you be a poet, writer, or author? :D

LOL What a thought provoking question. To me, I have trouble saying I'm an author, mostly because my mother says I should beware of being that bold (eventhough I'm 45.) That's something I might call myself when my first book is published. I am a writer, because that is what I do. write, write, write. :D
Rulan

[edmmom]

The obvious answer to what is a poet is one who writes poems. But, personally I consider a poet one who has a song in their heart, one so beautiful it must be shared. The beauty may not be as we know beauty, for at times it is colored in pain, in suffering and in blood. It's there, though, for the sharing, the loving and the tears.
As far as an author is concerned, I know of only one Author, our Creator, our Father. He created the heavens and the earth and all that is within. No song that is sung, no book that is written, no tale that is told, is done so without His knowledge. All that is good He created, therefore, there can only be one Author.
How about a writer? Could I possibly be considered a writer? There are so many who definitely wear the title of "Writer" and wear it well. Their words flow as water running in a river rejoicing as they tickle the occasional river worn stone. The reader thirsts for more. The writer cannot abstain, he must continue to quench the reader's thirst.
No, if truth be told, I'm not a writer nor a poet, just a humble daughter of my Father who loves to share His Love with others. All that I am, and all that I will be is from Him. He gave me this second chance to speak of His Love, to tell others what He has done for me, and how He changed me.

[rodojeki]

John,

This is an interesting question....as I am not sure you can be one without being all three
by definition a writer is one who writes, places words on paper, composes, an author; an author is one that originates or creates these writings, and a poet is the style of writer one is; bringing to the paper various techniques of expression; metrical works, a creative artist so to speak. As I read your question, and thought about it, it was like the trinity was being set before me.....three in one and all three become the whole. All is received as a blessing from God, His gifting which comes from His hand, His authority, This is my perception.

[DrRita]

Well, John, good question.

In the American Heritage Dictionary:

Author: 1a. The original writer of a literary work 1b. one who practices writing as a profession and 2. An originator or creator.

Writer: One who writes, especially as a profession. Going back to the definition of writing: to compose, to form letters on a surface with an instrument and so on.

Poet: 1. a writer of poems. 2. One who demonstrates great imaginative power, insight or beauty of expression. *

*As a footnote on this definition the word can be applies to one who does anything with the definition in 2. One can be a poet of classical ballet, wood working, painting etc.


Now having cleared that up for myself (and anyone else who wants to follow the meanderings of a teacher :o ) I can honestly answer the question.

A desire above all to be a poet in the broadest sense, using all the creativity of an author and the skill of a writer to convey my goal as a writer, author, poet.

Early in my writing career I was challenged to set down on paper my goal as a writer. I prayed about it for some time before I wrote what I believed God gave me.

This is my goal: To portray the real God of the universe to the world.

I will settle for nothing less than the best for God, including the quality of my writing. I have been going through a real sifting of late and I have asked God to make me the best writer I can be. If I want to portray "The God Who Is" to those who do and do not believe in Him, I be willing to hone, sharpen, and study "to show thyself approved" so I may have the opportunity to step through those doors, secular and Christian. Jesus never shrank back from association with sinners, seekers and the self-righteous. I believe I have been called as a writer, author and poet.

He just a little note about the three: Can you see the triune character of the writer?

Writer: the physical= our part to place on paper what is given
Poet: the soul= our personality, as God has created us to be
Author the spirit= our spiritual connection to the Author for all things originate with Him.

Sorry about the going on and on and on . . . :rolleyes:

[dublinheart]

Outstanding replies! I love the trinity aspect of your replies. A writer equals the physical;it's the physical act of doing what we do. A poet equals the soul of us; our individual giftings and talents, and author equals the source of where everything we write comes from. He authors it all, baby! Thank you so much for your replies! This has helped me focus my desire. :)

[ruki]

That was simply beautiful Edmmom,

Reaching for my hankie

To God be the Glory

[firstacts]

What is the difference between poet, author, and writer? Which one do you consider yourself? If you had to choose one, would you be a poet, writer, or author? :D

Choose? Yikes - can't do it. I'm all three in a very complex piece of humanity.

Glenn

[TRSharp]

Dub,
Not all writers are poets; not all poets are authors (and some might say that not all poets are writers...?) :p
I think of poetry as word-smithing, as opposed to the mass-production requirements of novels. Work the bellows, fan the coals, bang the hammer, turn again and again upon the anvil the glowing iron, until you find satisfaction in the form in your hands.
The novelist does not have the luxury of casual contemplation. Creating a novel or looo-ng work requires much more tedious re-writing, I think. Or maybe it's a question of the speed of thought and fingers, which is why I wrote 1 brief chapter of "my novel" and cautiously backed away from what I decided was foul. :o

[dublinheart]

Nice thoughts, Tim. Thanks!

[MamaCB]

Very interesting question. I consider myself all three, I am an author and cross different genre. I am also a poetess, which is my love, and my writing pays the bills. :) Anything I write has to better humanity, help, serve, touch a heart or evoke some kind of emotion.

I hope that doesn't sound lame.

[DearPrudence]

poet by nature, writer by choice, author by default

[jacx1938]

In my 40 odd years of "Christian" life, God has led me into many different creative challenges. I've been involved in visual art, (portrait painting) singing(leader of 12 man Christian band, and soloist), writing and performing poetry "live," film-making, and last but not least, short story writing. The last is what He's called me to now. Each of these has been for a season it seems, but I've learned one thing; You have the soul of a poet if you're highly imaginative (and USE it) no matter what your medium of creation is. I'm sure that the act of creation itself, is the same for you as it is for me--Worship unto the Lord--apart from any commercial aspects involved. " Let ALL that is in me worship His Holy name."

Jim.

[ellenjames]

My writing includes devotional articles, poetry, and short stories (mostly children's, but occasionally I've tried adult stories). I may as well admit it; I like stories with happy endings, although "The Little Rum Girl" was a sad tale for the most part.

The idea that I could be a writer sparked when I was in college. So I've kept at it.
This poem describes my reason and desire for my writing:

Lord, make my writing
A vehicle of peace.
May it honor Thee
And never cease.

Make my writing
Blessings bring,
To glorify Jesus --
The important thing.

Ellenjames