Is My Child a Gifted, Talented, or (Simply) a Hardworking Writer?

Joyce M. Singer

As parents and educators we long for evidence, and then confirmation, so that we can begin celebrating our offspring or students as gifted authors. The papers they write for school are fluent, coherent, and well researched. Their command of facts and information startles us; the convincing evidence used to support their position brings pride; the authoritative tone demands attention. Clearly, they have synthesized their reading and performed a comprehensive assessment of their sources; the thesis statement enlightens, and the format is free of grammatical or documentation errors. Is the student gifted? Well, yes . . . perhaps . . . or perhaps not.

During the process, he approaches the assignment with precision. Self-motivation prompts him to meet all deadlines in a timely fashion. Often, he turns in his work early and serves as a resource for others struggling with the assignment. He speaks knowledgeably, cites statistics, unravels competing theories, and clarifies his topic for readers and listeners. He can field questions and deliver correct responses. Perhaps he inspires others and generates enough interest in the subject to prompt further investigation and extended conversation. Is he gifted? Well, yes . . . perhaps . . . perhaps not.

While his behaviors bear the stamp of giftedness, less able students may have similar accomplishments. They, too, follow instruction, produce multiple drafts, turn in work early, and demonstrate deep comprehension of and fluency with the subject. Such students may be talented; usually, they stand out as conscientious. Hard work, however, does not determine giftedness. A gifted writer often will combine variant pieces into a new configuration or theory, one that never before has occurred to anyone else. He imagines the whole before he begins composing. His use of language demonstrates a unique twist, and his sentences teem with novel metaphors to illustrate his ideas. To help others envision what he means, he connects two or more dissimilarities to solidify an image. Now, we can begin to suspect giftedness. However, all of this writing depends upon what others have written or said, and nonfiction writing affords every student an opportunity to succeed, for the parameters of command of material, correctness, and timeliness also result in high grades.

In reality, because it derives from individual mind all writing is creative, but the genres of fiction, drama, and poetry provide the jolt to genuine creativity. A gifted writer will take risks and explore a genre in exceptionally imaginative ways. His use of figurative language abounds; stanza breaks disconcert, and he takes liberties with punctuation and capitalization—conventions he tends to ignore. In his short story, novel, or play, his characters may find themselves in circumstances well beyond the realm of the commonplace. Depth of character delineation adds dimension to people we come to know, and their mannerisms and conversations are so credible that as readers we can peer into their psyche.

As a result of the freedom granted to the author, playwright, or poet, giftedness becomes obvious. Creativity surprises and delights; the unexpected stimulates prediction, furthers introspection, and leaves the reader questioning, or longing for more. The gifted writer develops a fan base, rightfully his, one that often will lead to fame, fortune, and future recognition.

Now, he needs exposure. He needs celebration and encouragement from experts in the field. He needs professional feedback, lots of it, and as the significant adult in his life, you are the one who will search for venues wherein he can demonstrate his giftedness. You will find the literary magazine; the poetry journal; the publishers, editors, and agents. Your support and commitment will make a difference, and your day to celebrate also will come. It may come in the form of a book dedication, a biographical reference in Wiki or Playbill, or in a speech delivered before a worldwide television audience when the author accepts his Oscar, Tony, award as Poet Laureate, or Nobel Prize. Yes, your day will come, but one thing is for sure: you, too, will need to work diligently, and here, your persistence will make the difference!