Are you a first-born in your family?

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   Kathleen Cochranposted 10 years ago

   Are you a first-born in your family?
   
   Where do you fit in your family's birth order: first, middle, baby?  Do you think your birth order inclines you to be a writer?  Don't know about famous writers' birth order - if you know any, please share.
   
   

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   ladyweightposted 10 years ago

   I am a first born and I like to write. Never thought there was any relationship between the two, but good food for thought.

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      Kathleen Cochranposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      A couple of us babies of the family were chatting and the question came up.  I hope we get a sampling.  I'm trying to remember if I know the personal histories of any of my favorite authors to know which-born they were.  Help?

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   tirelesstravelerposted 10 years ago

   My dad was 1st born and a writer.  My eldest son is a great writer, but doesn't. My husband is a grand writer, but doesn't either.  I am the baby princess.  I just can't stop.

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      Kathleen Cochranposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We seem to be hearing from mostly first-borns - except for a couple of us "babies."  For anyone interested, "The Birth Order Book" is a fascinating read.  It helped by first-born husband and the baby of the family-me understand our three children.

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   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   kathleen.....I am the 2nd born....of 2...which also makes me the LAST, a.k.a. the "baby,"  which my mother insisted upon referring to me as.....up to her death, when I was 56 years old!  I may not complain.  I do the very same thing with my 33 year old (youngest) son.  SOME mothers!
   I don't know that I ever gave much thought to my birth order being related to being a writer,  This is an interesting thought to consider. Hmmmmm.....there you go, Kathleen, making us "THINK"......just like a Good writer should.
   I have been inclined to believe most of this passion of mine is a result of genetics.  My Dad was an eloquent & prolific writer, his entire life.  Also a musician, he composed many songs/poems.  I have boxes filled with his writing......mostly pieces he wrote, encouraged by "Inspiration"...for private enjoyment and to share with loved ones.  An incredibly romantic man, he wrote "Love Letters" to our mother, during his tours of duty as a U.S.Marine.  These letters are probably among my most treasured possessions, needless to say.
   I also am inclined to believe there were several other reasons I was drawn to writing.....including; growing up in the '50's-'60's, my sister 5 years my senior....I spent a lot of time with my own imagination and creativity.  My parents were convinced I was and would always be a "Happy Loner," even from the young age of 3.  They were absolutely correct.  The remainder of my extended family would come to think of me as a Pioneer.  Between you and me, Kathleen, I'm sure that was their polite term for "Rebel."  Guilty as charged.
   A few famous authors & their birth order?  I know Emily Dickenson was the eldest of 3.  Tom Clancy was the dreaded "middle child.".....Jackie Collins, the baby of 3.  Both John Grishom.and Roald Dahl....(fouling up the works)....the 2nd child of 5.   The only other I'm sure of is Joseph Heller who was an only child.
   Very interesting question, Kathleen.  Thanks for asking..

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      Kathleen Cochranposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So many middle children writers - all that angst!  I can see that producing some compelling works!

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   MercCipherposted 10 years ago

   I am the first born and like to write. Coincidence? I don't know but my mother was the first born but doesn't like to write as much as I do.

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   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   I am the first born in my family. I'm not sure if that drove me to write. However in most instances first born children are expected to mature quicker, and take on more responsibility at a younger age than their siblings. Writing requires introspective thought and discipline. These are traits likely to be found in a first born verus compared to the "middle child" pleaser or the "youngest child" showered with attention. The oldest child usually has some "lone wolf" traits which are ideal for writing. LOL!

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   alancaster149posted 10 years ago

   i'm a first and only born. They took a look at me and said, 'Oh-oh', and the mould went back to the factory. Honestly!
   (Seriously, Ma had health problems. Further additions were out of the question).

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      fpherj48posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      LOL!   alancaster....you are too funny!

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   hlwarposted 10 years ago

   In my immediate family there is just my sister and myself, and we're twins. However, I was born first so I guess technically I am first-born. I think the talent got split between us because I'm the writer, while my sister was always the idea girl.
   
   My mother was the baby out of four siblings, and she's more of a reader, not a writer. If any of this helps. v(｡-_-｡)v

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   starme77posted 10 years ago

   Very interesting question for me. I was first born in my fist family with my real mother. Once adopted by her sister I was the middle child. In the next adoption I was the middle child again, never have been the oldest which, is ok with me haha

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    ChitrangadaSharanposted 10 years ago

    I am the second born and also the middle one.My other two siblings are not interested in writing. I think I have inherited the inclination towards writing from my father.  My father is the youngest in his family of 5 siblings and is a very fine writer of Economics and has authored many books.
    Interesting question and equally interesting answers!

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    DDEposted 10 years ago

    Great question! I am the first born in my family and had many responsibilities.  I am the only one that writes in my family.

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    lostohanababyposted 10 years ago

    I'm a first born of eleven other siblings, adopted, step and half-brothers.  A dysfunctional family .  I believe, going on how I turned out.  To be very 'talented' in many areas.  My favorite is writing.  I haven't gotten around to it yet, maybe I'll write a book.   Good luck, on success!

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    JackieBlockposted 10 years ago

    I'm a first born myself. My younger sister and I both write, though. Of course we each have our own styles which may be related to our birth order in at least a small way. Very interesting question.

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