Day 997: There are no qualifications for being a novelist; the day you call yourself one, you are a novelist

There are no qualifications for being a novelist

I learned this again this morning while reading an article by a noter named Yayoi Yagami.

Huh...? So there are no qualifications?

The day you call yourself one, you are a novelist

...

Wow!

That said,
having said that, though

if everyone and their dog started calling themselves novelists, we'd be entering a warring states period for novels.

Hey, hey, I am the true novelist!

No, no, you submitted your best work to the Creative Awards, it flopped completely, and you didn't even make the semi-finals!

A sharp retort.

Alright, when in doubt,
let's ask AI.

Excuse me,
what kind of qualities are needed to be a novelist?

1. What are the qualities of a novelist?

✍️Conclusion

The determination to have a world you want to talk about and the ability to keep putting it into a form that reaches others.

🪞 1. Being aware of your 'reason for wanting to tell a story' (= having a core for creation).

A novelist is someone who is aware of 'what they want to show through their story.'
This is sometimes called a 'theme,' but as an editor, I look for whether there is a 'core of perception'—what kind of absurdity or beauty in the world your heart is reacting to.

For example, even if two people write about the same 'loss,'
• How a person regenerates amidst sadness
• The meaning of connection that becomes visible through loss
The angle will be completely different depending on the writer.
Someone who has grasped this 'angle' for themselves can already be called a true 'novelist.'

⸻

🪶2. The power to 'give form' to a story (= structure and persistence).

No matter how sharp your sensibilities are, if you lack the persistence to complete a story and the structural thinking to build it, your work will not reach the reader.
• Being able to be conscious of the plot structure and rhythm
• Being able to 'close' the motivation for writing as a work
• Being able to balance 'necessary lies' and 'truth' within the text

Someone who can complete a work while being conscious of these things can be called a 'writer,' not just 'someone who can write.'

⸻

💬3. The determination to accept criticism and share work with others.

A novelist is not just 'someone who shows their own world,' but also 'someone who can adjust their world to show it to others.'
By accepting reader reactions and editor feedback,
being able to be conscious of not just 'what you want to say' but 'how others will perceive it.'
I believe this 'determination for dialogue' is the major boundary that separates professionals from amateurs.

Hmm, I see.

In other words, all that is needed is 'determination'.

So, instead of worrying, I decided to take action, and on November 10, 2025, I began my activities to win an award in next year's 2026 note Creative Awards.

2. The First Step

Joined Yayoi Yagami's membership

First of all, rather than worrying, I think I will join others who are aiming to be novelists and hone my skills together with them.

See you later.