No talent there . . . or is there?
I was thinking about the people I’ve known over the years, family and close friends, those kinds of people, and what talents they had.
Websters defines the word “talent” as: a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude, and a talented person as one who has an innate, special ability at something.
Sheez, when I look at that definition, I have to admit I didn’t really know anyone who was “talented.” LOL . . . Certainly no one in my family could be described as talented. None of my close friends were talented. Heck, it could be argued, with some success, that I wasn’t talented, and if I was I certainly kept it hidden pretty darned well.
And yet today, without any formal training, I’m a pretty good writer, and several of my close friends are now described as talented in various fields of endeavor.
I can speak about me with a great degree of certainty. I can speak for my close friends with a fair degree of certainty. What I have noticed about me, and about my friends, is that my/their talent was hard-earned. We/they worked their asses off to hone whatever “abilities” they had, and through hard work, determination, and a stubbornness which borders on obsessive, we have found some semblance of talent. Maybe it was always there, but without that hard work and determination, there was no way it was going to show up.
Just some random thoughts as I prepare to work on my latest novel. I don’t know about this talent thing. I don’t know how much is innate and how much is earned. But I do know it’s a shame when it is wasted.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Love your random thoughts here today about writing and talents, too. Also wishing you a wonderful new journey with your latest novel writing. Now, also enjoy this fine, but chilly Tuesday, as well 😉
I will indeed, Janine, and you do the same. Thank you my friend.
Hi Bill, I believe that As always, your blog has me thinking and for me thinking means more writing my own material. My mind lately has been about creativity and play and how it is missing in our society even for our children. I am definitely one who believes that raw talent has to be nurtured and that to some extent, we all were born with at least some talent.
We are in total agreement, Donna! Thank you!
I believe that almost everyone has talent and it is up to us as parents or teachers to help encourage those people with it to see it and to help nurture it wherever we can.
I’m with you all the way, Sally. Encouragement is so important.
To add to Sally’s comment, that link between parent and child is so important. I don’t think you can kill talent, but just as you can nurture it, you can also push it down. In my case, I didn’T pursue my talents because of all the naysayers in my life. Now, finally, I’M retired with no one to stop me. It’s hard and it gets lonely sometimes, but I just keep reminding myself, “This is my time, no one else has a bid on my time. Then I just keep writing. I’M preparing my first book for proof printing and thinking about all the choices I have now. No more road blocks, just an ocean of ideas.The talent never went away, it was just hibernating.
Thank you for sharing that, Joy! I love that this is your time and you are taking advantage of it. Blessings to you always!
You got me thinking about this, Bill. I believe everyone has a talent. Sometimes, this talent shows up early, and the challenge is to keep working at it, since things seem too easy. But without hard work and dedication, the talent means nothing in the end. For others, their talent might show up late, after a lot of hard work, and determination. More often than not, those are the ones who make it, because they already have the discipline to use their talent. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the subject.
Wonderful reflection, Emese. Thank you and I tend to agree with your thoughts.
Yes. Talent is generally hard earned
Even for the child protege. Nothing comes without hard work. Peace.
Lantern
True words, Manatita…nothing worthwhile comes without hard work.
Big Bro, you are the picture of talent, of persistence, of perseverance and you’re a de facto mentor to me by virtue of being my Big Bro, because of your writing, because of your history and who you are. You are fulfilling your Personal Legend, as the boy in The Alchemist would say. Glad you’re getting started on a new novel. You’re incredible and keep up the good work. You’re fighting the good fight: with compelling stories and the inspiration behind your story: your hard work, imagination and tenacity. I am *so* glad our paths have crossed. You are a good human and I don’t hang with humans who don’t have good hearts, so there. 😉
Sending you hugs, Terrific Tuesday joy and glad tidings! Oh and MORE HUGS!
Lil Sis, I can’t imagine having a better sister than you. Thank you so much. I wouldn’t be half the man I am without the encouragement, mentorship, and support of people like you. Hugs my friend!
Hello Bill – You are right on target with this piece. Talent, some encouragement, a little motivation and talent will flourish. Maybe a dash of luck, if success is also added to the mix.
I gotta believe you are correct, Mike…a big dash of luck, me thinks.
Bill
I think we’ve all got a degree of ‘Talent’ but it’s up to us whether it comes out or not!
My view is “Use it, or lose it!” We each have the talent, but if we don’t work at things, we forget how to do them, and sometimes it’s just too late to get that talent back!
This was a great piece, and very encouraging
I love your attitude, Lawrence. Use it or lose it for sure. Thanks my friend.
Perhaps there wasn’t the opportunity to develop a talent – I think that was probably the case for my parent’s generation – though I would say my dad was a very talented plasterer! I do think we have innate talents but don’t always have the opportunity or knowledge to develop them.
Great thoughts, Andrea. I know my father dropped out of high school because of the Great Depression, then enlisted for WW2, had a family…very few opportunities to hone a talent.
Sometimes a talent stays latent until it gets activated when the opportunity presents itself. A friend of mine discovered her amazing talent to draw and paint when she was 50+. Her paintings are totally awesome. Just like your writings, Billy!
I’ve heard similar stories, Martie. It’s an amazing thing for sure. Thank you for your kind words.
I think many people consider themselves talentless because they believe talent refers to sports or the performing arts. That is so limiting. I recently spoke to a young woman who was running her own crafting business as well as raising five children, three of them with special needs. She explained how crafting helped her cope with the incredible demands of family life and helped her define herself as someone other than a caregiver. I could see that her talent wasn’t just making bespoke soaps, candles and jewellery. She has business savvy and a knack for balancing her professional and home life so neither suffers.
We need to recognize people like this and encourage them to nurture these abilities. Not just for their sakes but for ours as well. People like this are key to making the world a better place. I know that sounds cliche, but it gives me hope.
Have a lovely Sunday, Bill.
I don’t think it sounds cliche at all, Zulma, and I couldn’t agree more. Beautiful story and I would love to meet that young woman and shake her hand. She is, without a doubt, talented!
Young she is. She looks about 30ish. And she built her business up in only four years. You just can’t help but respect her.
I don’t know her and I’m in awe of her.