Who is a Writer?

It’s about time we settled this niggly waggly question, or at least talk about it

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When we hear “writer,” names like William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie, and Ernest Herminway come marching instantly, swankily, and unmistakably to the forefront of our minds.

If/when the topic changes, however, say in a conversation, to “musician”, then it is showtime, time for Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, etc to make their appearance in all that swagger and pomp.

As for sports lovers, they all know their Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, and Roger Federer like a pastor knows his word, don’t they?

But, here is the thing: a cousin of mine, first name John, plays for a second-division team in the Nigerian Premier League, and “they” certainly don’t know him. His posts on Facebook usually have less than 50 interactions, but he is a footballer, famous or not, that is what he is, no doubt about it.

Ask any of us who know him any day and at any time and we’ll tell you that John is a footballer. Underline: Know him.

Because as traditionally immortal as Shakespeare is, you’d be surprised at the number of people on this God’s green earth who haven’t heard that name in their entire lives. Therefore, the question of who Shakespeare was/is clearly isn’t for them.