How can you determine if someone has thought about writing fiction or if they have actually written it?

Determining whether someone has merely thought about writing fiction or has actually done it can be subtle, but here are some effective ways to gauge their experience:

1. **Ask Specific Questions:**

- **About Their Process:** Inquire about their writing routine. For instance, “What does your writing process look like?” Someone who has written will likely have a more structured answer.

- **Work in Progress:** Ask if they have any current projects. If they mention a specific story or character, it’s a good sign they’ve been writing.

2. **Inquire About Experience:**

- **Past Works:** Ask them if they’ve completed any stories or novels. If they can provide titles or details, they’ve likely done more than just think about writing.

- **Feedback:** Inquire whether they’ve shared their work with others or received feedback. This indicates they’ve taken the step to write and seek improvement.

3. **Discuss Challenges:**

- **Obstacles Faced:** Ask about challenges they encountered while writing. Someone who has written will have personal insights on overcoming writer’s block or plot issues.

4. **Talk About Goals:**

- **Future Aspirations:** Ask about their goals in writing. A writer will often discuss ambitions like publishing, participating in workshops, or attending writer’s conferences.

5. **Look for Terminology:**

- **Use of Writing Terms:** Listen for their use of terminology related to writing, such as “plot development,” “character arcs,” or “editing.” Familiarity with these terms can indicate experience.

6. **Ask About Reading Habits:**

- **Influences:** Inquire about authors they admire or books that inspire them. A serious writer will often have a deep appreciation for fiction and can articulate what they’ve learned from their reading.

7. **Request a Sample:**

- **Writing Samples:** If the conversation allows, ask if they’d be willing to share a short piece or excerpt. This is the most direct way to see if they’ve engaged in writing.

By combining these approaches, you can get a clearer picture of whether someone has genuinely written fiction or is still in the ideation stage.