The Writer Who Wasn’t
I have a tough question for any aspiring and emerging writers. What’s that? You don’t like deep probing? Well, who besides a proctologist does?
Don’t worry; this question has nothing to do with your nether regions, though it might feel just as dark and dirty.
So, sit up. Clear your mind. Take a sip of your chosen potion. Now, let’s get started.
When do you call yourself a writer?
Who me? Credit: greylining.com
Do I sense head shaking and eye rolling at my built-up suspense? Not a hard question at all? Well, maybe I’m a wuss; no secret there. But if the act is so easy, I propose a challenge. The next time you are out in public, and somebody inquires as to your occupation, instead of merely responding “teacher” or “accountant” or—oh, what the heck—“fluffer”,* add “and writer” to your personal description. Not easy, is it? Not without sounding pretentious.
Of course, I’m not referring to those of you consistently published and making a literary living. (And yes, I am deluding myself you are reading this post. Various tinctures and concoctions see to that.) Rather, I’m referring to those of us dipping our first timid toe into the stream.
I always thought I would boast the title of writer once published.
Then again, I also used to think I’d marry Parker Stevenson.
Parker Stevenson, from: Totally Awesome Teen Pinups And Magazines
So here I am, contract in hand, leap made, day job a mere rearview dot, yet the word writer, at least as a self-described moniker, has not once graced my mumbling lips. Heck, it hasn’t even entered my psyche.
But guess what has? You got it. That petulant nemesis, good old self-doubt. A juicy role played by none other than my personality fiend, the ominous Mr. Nasty Pants.
Our verbal tag goes something like this:
Me: “Oh, wow, I did it! I took the leap, left my job, and am now writing full-time! Does that mean I can finally call myself, well, you know,” my voice dropping to a whisper, “a writer?”
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Ha! A writer! That’s a good one! Spitting out words on a blog doesn’t make you a writer. Seriously? You quit graduate school and whittled your job to mere hours? What kind of idiot are you?”
Me, clearing my throat: “Well, I am getting my first book published.”
Mr. Nasty Pants, face pinched, voice a vicious mock: “Well, I am getting my first book published. Yeah, who cares? You didn’t land a New York big house, did ya? Just some little publisher. You haven’t even heard from your assigned editor, and yet your book is supposed to come out in September? Dream on, Little Lady!”
Me, scratching my hiving neck: “But I have a contra—”
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Yeah, well I got a functioning crap detector. And it’s telling me your little book stinks.”
Me: “Well, it is true I could do better. I wrote it several years ago. I’ve had more practice now.”
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Please. Don’t kid yourself, Sweet Cheeks. You’ll always suck. Doesn’t matter, anyway. No one will buy your book. Well, not on purpose, though I suppose an unintended mouse click is always possible.”
Me, looking down at the floor, kicking a Cheerio under the fridge: “I’m okay with that. I just wanted to pass the threshold, you know? Step into the life and perfect my craft. To be, well, a writer.”
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Well, fat chance of that! Stephen King is a writer. Margaret Atwood is a writer. John Irving is a writer. You, my dear, are not a writer. At best, you’re a blogger. And that’s being generous.”
And there you have it. A glimpse of what I have to put up with. A glimpse I timidly proffer, because, after all, sharing my journey from one life to another is the very mission of this blog. Well, that and to be a ranting imbecile.
But surely, some of this must sound familiar. I cannot be the only one with acres of self-doubt.
So, for those of you who write, do you call yourself a writer? Not just to yourself or to your imaginary friend or in a hushed whisper to your naked bedmate (who may also be pure imagination), but for real, in true life, to actual people, for the whole world to hear, loud and proud, and with complete unabashed proclamation?
Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
If so, I respectfully request you let me in on your secret.
*My apologies to those who had to look up the word “fluffer”. I doubt you were pleased with your findings.
All cartoon images from, you guessed it, Microsoft Clip Art
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Now you mention it I always qualify the term ‘writer’ with ‘trying to be’. I realise of course that anyone who writes is a writer, though I would limit its use to people who actually finish what they started. Having the first chapter of a novel on your computer for seven years and not looking at it ever again doe not make you a writer, it makes you someone who once wrote something. Along with a hell of a lot of other people who also once wrote something or are perpetually in the proces of writing it without ever getting to the end. And that’s the difference I guess, writers actually write.
I always assumed I would start referring to myself as a writer when I was a pro making my living at it. That has not happened yet so I don’t know if I will. On the other hand you have a deal on your first book (very well done by the way) and you still don’t feel comfortable with the moniker.
I was at a writing event run by the BBC a few days ago and got talking to a woman who informed me she was a writer for a very popular national radio soap / continuing drama. I asked why she was at an event for ‘aspiring’ writers if she was an ‘actual’ writer and she said she still could not get her own ideas and scripts made (outside of the show she works on) and so she still needed to learn how. So maybe the idea of the finish line being turning pro is not right either. That just leads to the start of another race. But I would still say if you are continually writing and finishing things, you are a writer, be it pro or not.
I actually prefer the following as the best description of writing I have heard,”being a writer is like having homework every day for the rest of your life”. Indeed.
“…homework every day for the rest of your life.”–I like that. So true. Maybe we’re all hesitant to call ourselves writers, because we’ve defined ourselves other ways for so long. Most of us have had day jobs and occupational identities, and this is who we see ourselves as. Like the teacher who gets a part in a movie–is he now an actor? I hope that once my book comes out, I can give myself the title of writer, especially since it is indeed what I do most of my day. We’ll see. I’m not sure if the fraudulent feeling ever goes away.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your insightful comment. I appreciate it!
Parker Stevens, huh? I always figured you for a Shaun Cassidy gal. You must have hated Kirstie Alley during the 80s (although like the rest of us, I’m sure you pity her now).
I completely understand what you mean in feeling self-conscious about calling yourself a writer. I don’t have any solutions, unfortunately, except that I know that feeling of…not quite dishonesty, but some form of dissembling…that accompanies announcing yourself a writer.
I guess part of my feelings regarding the issue comes from having gone to school with several “writers.” The quotes were added because with the exception of one who is a published novelist, the literary darlings of my school days are now insurance executives, account managers and homemakers. One–the most promising back in the day, who would spend his summers on retreats, writing supposedly brilliant stuff—was institutionalized last I heard. I guess I’ve just encountered a lot of phonies who call themselves writers.
Oh, no way. Shaun Cassidy was too mainstream for me. I’m more of a road-less-traveled sort of gal (though I’m sure Parker Stevenson’s road was traveled just fine…)
It sounds like from your experience with writers, the fact that I’m making the writing transition after I’ve already done the real-world thing might be a plus. And if it doesn’t work out, I will likely end up in an institution. I can live with that.
Thanks for sharing your insights. Appreciate it! Although I don’t know if I should be reassured or frightened that I often agree with them…
Reassured, for sure. The misanthropy is simply an affectation.
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Fabulous topic; one we all inevitably encounter in those first meet and greets. Even though I currently have no other profession than writing, I find myself hesitant, almost taciturn when it comes to divulging what “I do” for a living. I suppose that is because the so-called living does not yield financial results — not yet, anyway. Still, I am a writer. There may be some distinction to be made between a writer and an author, but I’ll leave that one to the pedantic. Also, and I’m sure someone already mentioned this, but I loathe that the first question — without fail! — following the reveal of my writer’s status is “What have you published?” I scream inwardly every single time. Lol.
Thanks for laying claim to my roar.
Blessings,
Cara
In some ways, I think the lack of financial reward for writing accounts for much of the hesitancy to use the “w” word. So much of what we “do” for a living is tied to a paycheck. But the next time someone asks, “what have you published”, just tell them, “Oh, I’ve published well under a hundred things”. If you say it fast enough and then move on, they might only hear the “hundred” and be very impressed!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
LOL! Sound advice, indeed . . . I may just try that!
If I am a reader, then you are a writer.
When I used to make a very meagre living from writing I was once asked that thorny question – what do you do? “I am a writer” I replied. Then came the next question that brought perspective to my lame statement. “Are you any good?”
Well, not really.
By proclaiming that you are a writer, that should not imply any greatness. That is the job of the reader. You can have a good writer and a bad reader. No taste, no patience no time.
It’s a game of two halves as they say about Soccer.
And woody Allen said ” I learnt speed reading and got through War and Peace in one night. It’s about Russia”
What a great response. I had not thought of it that way. Everything really is perception, isn’t it? As Dr. Phil says (okay, okay, I admit I like watching that show), “Perception is reality.” So in that sense, it does come down to what the reader thinks.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. And thanks for the Woody Allen quote. Loved it! And I’m sad to say, I might relate, as I don’t see myself ever taking the time to read that classic.
Not many people have read one of the longest novels in history. I haven’t. I did try in my wordy youth. But I never made it very far. I was however, very fortunate to sit through the 1968 Russian film version of the book. It was seven hours long. It was an amazing cinematic experience. The film took over seven years to make and had over 400 actors, and 128,000 extras. It took so long to shoot that the main actors could be seen to age through the film.
It’s interesting to note that War and Peace , although written by Tolstoy, his long suffering wife, who bore him many children, transcribed and re wrote the words of War and Peace many times over. She took his long hand written notes at the end of each day and sitting by candle light would re write them into presentable hand writing – long into the night.
Although we haven’t read that great tome, we have enjoyed the thoughts of writers who have.
They have done the hard work for us.
Now that’s a dutiful wife!
It’s nice to read someone elses self talk. I hear my own and some times my husbaands as he occasionaly lets some slip of the inner workings in his head. I do not call myself a writter as it makes me cringe. In fact I recently applied for a job at the local paper. She asked me to submit a sample of my writting instead I marched right into her office and told her Thank You but no I am not qualified for the position. Maybe taking photos maybe, but I don’t call myself a photographer either. She seemed disappointed as I took away her job of rejecting me first, oh well. Lots to learn in this life.
Maybe we’ll have to make a pact to use the “w” word at least once a day in order to get comfortable with it
YES! This is absolutely, even forensic-ly true! Nasty monkey mind… what IS that!?
I guess it’s nature’s way of making sure we don’t get too big for our britches (man, I really let the cliches fly when I’m commenting.) Maybe I’ll have to try meditation (was checking out your blog!)
Thanks for stopping by!
I often hear ‘Mr.Nasty Pants’ talking in my ear too. He often interrupts my thoughts as I work on my 1st historical fiction book:( Thanks for the laughs… I’ll remind my nemesis to ‘go away.’ Congrats on the book BTW!
I am so sorry my personality imp has been bothering you too! There just seems no way to contain him! Well, try to ignore the fiend, and good luck with your writing.
Thanks for stopping by! Love the wave image on your blog, by the way.
Tell Mr. Nasty Pants to take a hike! While I’m also not necessarily the greatest at believing in myself, I do think there is something to the idea of ‘putting an idea out there.’ Saying that you’re a writer helps you believe it (which you should, why not? less worthy people have made sillier claims) which makes it hard for the universe to ignore.
You raise an excellent point. So today, I am going to repeatedly say, “I am a writer.” Although I suppose I should wait until someone’s home to hear it. Not sure my laptop will care one way or the other. In fact, if it could talk, I’m sure it would tell me to quit yapping and start tapping.
Thanks for stopping by! Your kind words have submerged Mr. Nasty Pants for the time being!
Nothing short of brilliant! I found myself relating to every thought (excluding the publication bit – by the way congrats!). You could replace writer with cartoonist in my instance. For fun now, I refer to myself as cartoonist just to see people’s reactions. Not surprisingly, they take it all at face value, it’s only the Mr Nasty Pants who doesn’t.
Marti
Yes, I suppose we are our own worst enemies–Mr. Nasty Pants sees to that. I always enjoy visiting your blog. I know I can find a great laugh in a very short time. Brevity has its advantages in the online world!
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by!
I cringe whenever I let someone in on my obsession, because then they, the blind, trusting fools who haven’t read a word I’ve written, start referring to me by the coveted label that I cannot possibly deserve and meekly aspire to. I wouldn’t be afraid of saying I was a–you know–if I actually had something to show for it and some sort of income or fame from said description, but I’m always afraid someone will overhear and think I’m putting on airs, make assumptions, or ask questions I’m not inclined to answer. Oh, yes. I write, and brush off inquiries as “it’s a hobby”, even if it is the dearest thing in my life. I still can’t use that other word to describe myself. If you’ll permit me, however, I think you should tell Mr. Nasty Pants he needs a new change of attire, and that you’ve earned the right to call yourself a writer in all respects.
Thank you for that thoughtful response. It is funny how many of us are quick to call our writing “a hobby”, isn’t it? And worse, a shameful hobby–and by that I mean something that’s embarrassing to admit. You put it perfectly when you said it feels like admitting to being a writer is putting on airs.
The comments to this post have helped me see I am not alone in my uneasiness. And yes, I agree Mr. Nasty Pants needs a “change of attire”. Hopefully one with a more pleasant attitude!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
Nice Post
Why, thank you! Nice brevity!
I still hide that I’m a writer in “general circles”. I’m a little self-concious about it. Most people don’t understand, or they don’t take it seriously. Someday they will.
Even when I am working on my blog… if my husband walks in the room, I minimize the screen. I’m embarrassed he might make a comment, although he knows full well what I’m doing.
Luckily for me, I am part of a large local writers group. We may be shy at home, but we all open up and proudly pronouce our “writership” at the meetings.
I loved your post, by the way. It really hit home. You are Sooooooo not alone.
It’s nice to learn there are many others out there with the same doubts I have. I even felt pretentious telling people I had started a blog! That’s easier now, so maybe the rest will follow.
Thanks for coming by and sharing your self-doubt!
My self-doubts are legion. I call myself a writer, and have for a couple of years now Slowly it has become more comfortable, like broken-in shoes. I do have a couple dozen lifestyle articles published in local magazines, and the bylines are affirming, but I think it is meeting the deadlines that makes me really feel like a writer. So I can call myself a writer, but the point where self-doubt really goes for my jugular is when I am researching agents and publishers to query. I get so freaked out I literally shake. You have a contract and that makes me crazy with envy! Well, not really, but I dream of the day I have one too. In the meantime, I’ll keep working on querying; you keep calling yourself a writer out loud, and maybe we’ll both make progress.
So, maybe when I ever do hear back from my editor, and am then faced with making a huge number of changes before a deadline, I’ll be able to use the word? Sounds good. But I bet I’ll be shaking right along with you at that point!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience. It helps to hear that others deal with the same issues, even those who have been published and written professionally, as you have.
Carrie, you are most definitely a writer. The minutes you started drafting your book, you were a writer. So scream it from the rooftops. Or at least your front porch.Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Since you have a contract (Congrats!) and your book is going to be published, I think the day that book is published you become an author.
What’s the difference? A writer is what you do. And author is a profession where you are paid to write. That’s how I differentiate the two. I’ve been a writer for years. I’m still querying my novels so I’m an aspiring author.
And I have self doubts too. That voice that degrades my accomplishments. I named her Mathilda. And I sometimes tell her to just shut the front door.
Mathilda, huh? I bet she knows Mr. Nasty Pants. Maybe the two of them conspire against all writers!
Thanks for bringing up a good point: differentiating between writer and author, something I really haven’t done. If I compartmentalize it like that, it might get me that much closer to using the “w” word. And it’s funny, because to me, everybody else who writes is a writer–why I personally feel fraudulent using the term, I’m not sure. For example, you are a writer. I visit your blog and read about writing tips and techniques, topics I’m not so sure I would be comfortable tackling.
So keep those posts coming! Always enjoy learning from you!
Thanks Carrie! I think part of the problem is also how people respond to it. When I told people I’m an auditor, no one questioned it. No one asked for evidence of my professional experience. But the second I say I’m a writer they ask what I’ve published. And since i dont have a book contract or an agent, they deride me as a writer.
Since you have a book contract and a well loved blog, go forth with pride. You are a writer! And a soon to be published author!
And no, I don’t think my freshly pressed status is enough to take the asterisk away!
I do call myself a writer, albeit with a ginormous asterisk in front: aspiring.
I so appreciate this post: happy to know I’m not alone. =)
I don’t think I’ve even graduated to the asterisk yet; I probably still use writer in quotation marks, so to speak. If I even use the word at all!
Thanks for commenting!
I enjoy reading your blog as it is well written, witty, and humerous. As you are writing them and people are reading them you can consider yourself a writer in my book.
Well, thank you. Very kind of you to say!
“Writer, writer, pants on fire, nose as long as a telephone wire.”
Yeah, I’ve encountered that. I’m slipping through a technical loop hole these days, saying “I am writing”… notice the verb form is still there (not a noun)? But even owning up to that didn’t begin with me… long story, but hell, just roll with it. When people ask me when the book is coming out I laugh a little and say, not for several years. They always look a little dismayed and wonder why I don’t want to be an accountant or an engineer instead… if they’re particularily cheeky they’ll ask me my age, as though to imply that thirty-ish is too old to still be fooling around with silly dreams. If that’s the case, I turn the implied judgement back on them: “Well,” I ask, “what will you do when you can afford to retire? Me, I’m writing.” But on the days when I’m not encountering the Critic in someone else, I do affirmations… yes, they sound silly but if you do them regularly they help to shed the anxiety a little more quickly. I know very successful writers who still experience loads of self-doubt and inner criticism. They all say, “Do the affirmations and go bake something. Eat chocolate. Run on the treadmill. Look at flowers. Just do something.” And that’s probably why they’re successful… they keep doing things, and in attending to those details of regular life they find their next story. Good luck.
Good for you for standing up and owning it. I need to be better at that. I always worry about those outside critics as well, but as my husband often tells me, they probably would like to be doing the very same thing! Whether he’s right or not, I don’t know, but it makes me feel better.
I like your advice of “just do something”, and through this, the next inspiration will come.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insights. Appreciate it!
There’s one other important thing to owning your work, published or not… it puts you out there and amid others who can support and inspire you with advice and encouragement. At least, I’ve found this happens more often than the Nasty Pants comments. Good luck!
So true. Thanks!
I understand that even Joseph Heller (who wrote Catch 22) hesitated to call himself a writer…so I don’t think you’re alone there!
I’m not sure at what point it feels OK – I guess that it’s different for everyone. But fundamentally, if you write, then you are a writer! In the same way as if you paint, you’re a painter, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are Leonardo. It doesn’t mean that what you do has no value – it’s just intrinsically yours, and no-one else could have written it.
Thank you so much for that comment. Your words put me that much closer to saying “I’m a writer” inside my own mind. How long it will take to express it verbally–well, that I just don’t know.
Thank you for stopping by!
I have the same questions/insecurities about claiming to be something I am not. I write a monthly article at An Army of Ermas, I’ve had something published in a magazine, and I’m 30,000 words into a novel, but I don’t feel I have the right to say I am a writer. I suspect I will probably always feel like an imposter. I’m much more gracious with others though. If they have written a letter to an editor, I’ll call them a writer.
You are a bonafide writer in my book!
~FringeGirl
A monthly article and a magazine publication says writer to me. I guess it’s the validation one gets knowing someone keeps publishing their work. Maybe it will get easier when my book comes out. Of course, then Mr. Nasty Pants will just be telling me I’m a “bad writer”!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Good luck with your novel!
I think I’d call myself a writer if I write. Stuff. Other than shopping listgs and emails to my friends. If I ever get published, like you – wow – I’ll call myself a Published Writer. Even if it’s just small beer. There’s a heap of difference between a writer and a Good Writer, though, and some people had to wait a couple of centuries before anyone thought they WERE a good writer, so there’s hope for us all.
I agree, there is a difference between a writer and a good writer, and I sure don’t want to be claiming the latter when I’m really the former. So I guess I’ve still got a ways to go before I’m ready to use the title.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
I’ve been in marketing communications for a long (long) time and I now offer my services on a freelance basis, focusing on the writing part of things. When I introduce myself as a copywriter, most people have no clue what I’m saying, or they think I’m a copyrighter. Yeah, that’s it…
So I’ve tried “marketing writer” and people still have no clue. Now I usually say I’m a freelance writer and the answer I often get is, cool job.
Interesting subject you’re having. I’ve seen it pop up on many LinkedIn group discussion boards in the past and the answers vary a lot.
Yes, I can see why you go with “freelance writer”. I imagine it could be a bit like a game of “who’s on first?” for you trying to explain your job to others! It’s great that you’re able to make a go at it freelancing.
Thanks for stopping by. Oh, before you go, could you copyright my page for me? (wink, wink!)
Haha, that’s usually the type of comments I guess, without the wink!
I got so tired of the follow up questions when I told people I was a writer, I now tell them I’m an undertaker and then immediately ask if they have all their affairs in order. That shuts them up! And, in my mind I know I’m not lying. Every day I undertake to write. HF
Thank you so much for my first laugh-out-loud of the day. Love when I get those!
Now you just need to print up some business cards with a lovely embossed coffin on them, and you’re good to go!
As I hand them out, I can tell people “I wrote that.” HF
It is reassuring to hear other people share the same self-doubts! Privately, I do think of myself as a writer. Have I ever told anyone that’s my career? Nope! Fortunately I have a job people think is interesting. So when I say I’m an archaeologist, there’s often no end to the questions they ask!
But, alas, the “writer” part will stay silent until I actually have a book published. Then I might graduate to “I’m an archaeologist and a writer.” I hope!
Fun post! Now, back to work for me
It sounds like you and I think the same way on this topic. Well, at least those of us who read your blog know you’re a writer! It’s just so hard to get across the lips. I’d never go around and say I’m an “astronaut”, so what makes me think I can say I’m a writer?
Thanks for taking time away from your work to come visit!
Some times my friends introduce me as a writer. For marketing purposes I say I’m a writer because I don’t think people would buy a book from a “Pudgy Nebraska Farm Wife.” Wait. Maybe I should try that. In the mean time, I declare my writerly title on my blog, website and on other social networks. I allude to it on Facebook. I acknowledge it if friends and family talk about it with me, and I pretend it’s just a hobby anywhere else.
I want to hear what you’re book is about. Where is your contract through?
Well, hello! I didn’t recognize you at first with the new Gravatar! Welcome to full exposure!
And yes, you most certainly are a writer. I know this, because I have read your book and am eagerly looking forward to our interview post which will be coming soon!
My book is a medical thriller with a little sci fi thrown in to add a new twist to an over-done genre. I’ll go into more detail as the release date approaches. However, given I am still not convinced it will see the light of day (“Um, excuse me, Mr./Mrs. Editor; it’s little old me waiting to hear from you.”), I’m not revealing the publisher yet. That way, if things “fall through”, I can blog openly about the process without stepping on toes. Paranoid, I know, but hey, I am a little glass half-empty.
Okay, that’s enough cliches for one comment response. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve always classified myself as a writer. For as long as I remember I spent more time scribbling in notebook after notebook rather than going out and doing “normal” things. And then I went to school for writing. I’m even pursuing my MFA right now.
Although I do have a few articles published online, it’s not my true end goal. I love the look on people’s faces, especially people who knew me in high school (when I was a closet writer) when I say I’m a writer. Though I don’t have something concrete to shove in their face and prove it, most times people are extremely interested about the writing path.
I’m happy you took your leap and congratulations on getting published!
Thanks for sharing your story. It makes me happy to know you proudly claim that title. Of course, you are doing it the right way and went to school for writing. I didn’t, and I think that’s why I feel like such a fraud. Everything needs formal training, right? I seemed to have skipped that step, and now hopefully, I can make up for it by reading about the writing process and practicing, practicing, practicing.
Thanks so much for coming by! Always appreciate new commenters!!
I don’t think there is a right way to do it. I almost quit school because I wasn’t learning anything I didn’t already know. Yes, I was learning the technical names for everything but it wasn’t something you needed to go to school for. I finished out for the degree at the end just in case I needed to be something other than a writer to support myself. Doesn’t really matter what your degree is in these days.
If you have to passion and the skill (because I’ve sat in many a classes with people who should NOT be writers) you’ll do it, degree or not. It’s good to read up writing and publishing and all that but it’s all about doing.
Thank you. Is good to hear that!
Yeah, I feel like that. I didn’t go to school for writing either. I went for Accounting and then Elementary Ed…which I hate both now. Why do we have to pick a career path when we are teenagers and know nothing? We’d be much better at it a decade or so later. Oh well. I think practice makes perfect in writing…and besides, whether you proclaim yourself a writer or not, writing’s fun and enlightening just for yourself. I love it!
I agree with the career-path choosing at such a young age. I’ve always said youth should be introduced to a wide variety of mentors to help guide them in the right direction. Of course, if I had gone into writing from the start, I’d probably still be waitressing or cleaning Wendy’s (the latter was not my favorite job, but you do what ya have to!) as the dough would not likely magically appear!
Thanks for visiting!
Oh great! I’m writing a post asking the same question – about looking back at when my group of writing friends first mulled over the same question. Now I’ll feel like I’m stealing if I post it. Thanks! ;( (Hmmm that’s another post topic. What do you do when you read a post and …
)
Anyhow, first CONGRATS on your contract! YOU ARE a writer, no doubt. You will sell, no doubt. You ARE an official writer.
Say it out loud and be proud!
As for me, I’ve claimed the title author/writer for over a decade. Lately I’m thinking I don’t have the right. I’m going through the ‘who do you think you are’ thing and having a ‘what do I do now?’ crisis. So I’ve decided to strip myself of the title. For now when people ask what I do I think I’ll just say, “Nothing.” (I can just imagine their faces.
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But two things I know for certain: I blog but I’m not a blogger. And for darned sure, I’m not a marketer.
Don’t you hate when that happens? In the past, I’ve had a post ready to go and then read about the same topic on somebody else’s blog. But when there are thousands and thousands of blogs out there, that is bound to happen. At least we all present it differently.
Sorry to hear you are thinking of stripping the title of writer from your self-description. For the sake of the rest of us, I hope you don’t! Judging from your “about” page, you’ve accomplished a lot. (Though I hear you on the marketing thing–am not looking forward to showing up at local bookstores with my terrified, “smiling” face.)
Thanks for the nice words and for stopping by!
Once I wrote and published my first novel, I considered myself a writer. I am still not even close to “successful” and I think that when (and if) that day ever comes, then I will announce to the world that I am a writer. Until then, I will be stuck with a day job and when people ask what I do, that’s what I’ll tell them.
Congrats on getting a contract. No easy feat, so I found out the hard way. Had to self publish.
Congrats on getting your work out there! But it appears even though you consider yourself a writer, you still don’t proclaim that to others? Baby steps for both of us, I guess!
Thanks for commenting. Your visits are always appreciated!
Your inner critic sounds so much like mine, it is scary. You are fabulous, and an inspiration to this blogger and wannabe. Actually, while we’re at it, can I take “you lessons?”
Keep up the good work.
Okay, I think that compliment just booted Mr. Nasty Pants to the most hidden part of my psyche (and heaven knows, no one wants to go there)! Maybe he’ll stay lost for awhile.
Funny, I wouldn’t use the word “wannabe” for you. Your writing is so sharp and witty. Guess we’re always our own worst critics, as the saying goes.
Thanks for commenting!
Slap Mr smarty-pants around the face with a dictionary – of course you’re a writer!
Good advice! I’ll have to try that. But that nasty little imp just keeps coming around. But maybe some of the nice comments I’m reading will help keep him at bay.
Thanks for stopping by!
Reblogged this on WP Writers Group.
Thanks for the reblog!
Psssttttt!!! Over here…..closer….closer…..
Absolutely.
I absolutely call myself a write. I write. I do write. I am writing. I have published writing. I struggle though, just like you do. I don’t have a contract (yet, fingers crossed), but I still wholeheartedly wear the title with proud. And so should you, dear friend!
Oh, wait, let me grab a breath mint before I get too close. There, that’s better.
Thank you! It’s nice to hear confirmation from others that they do indeed claim that title. Am looking forward to reading your upcoming short story–the Depends are ready. And for anyone wondering what in the world I’m talking about, you’ll just have to go to this woman’s site!
teeheeheehee!!
Writer Writer on the Wall, Who is the Fairest of them All. You are the fairest of them all! Congratulations.
Why, thank you! Even if you are clearly delusional…
But seriously, thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by!
I really do want to be a writer… Sometimes you just have to go for it!
Well, went for it I did! Some may refer to that as foolishness, but I wasn’t getting any younger, as they say. Now I just have to find the vocabulary to describe myself!
Thanks for coming by and commenting!
I appreciate your encouragement! I have been invited to write an article in the April issue on caregiving for the National Society on Aging. I am taking the leap of faith in March with a move to Florida to focus on writing and public speaking. Keep up your great work!
Hey, congratulations! Is nice to meet others who are taking that “leap”. Good luck!
You don’t ever have to say “I’m a writer”… Wait it out and just say “A little ditty of mine was published”.
There you go! Perfect!
But I still have to come up with an answer for, “So, what do you do?” Oh, I’ll think of something…
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m delighted that you have a book about to be published….congratulations!
Your kindness in giving me a blogging award boosted my self confidence…but not enough to call myself a writer.
I want to write about living in France but until I can sell my house there I have assets some creep will seize once it is published…so I’ve had to revamp the whole thing which has been depressing…and I’ve put it aside for a month so that I can go back to it with a bit of distance.
Odd, isn’t it…as a lawyer I had all the confidence in the world once I’d done my homework on the client’s case….but I’ve no confidence at all in representing myself.
Sorry to hear about your situation. How frustrating that must be to have to put things on hold. I love stopping by your blog because it brings back my memories of France, both good and bad. Of course, I was a young ‘un when I was there; things might look different now.
The ever elusive confidence in my writing–oh, will I ever get there?
Thanks for commenting!
Thank goodness I can now say “retired” and then go ahead and do what ever I like without worrying what others might think … Your excellent blog reminds me how allergic I am to labels!
Coincidentally, I suspect the whole world of recognised ” writers” will shift with the increasing ease of self-publishing using the internet and ebooks. Even so, it is a joy to find words as well crafted as yours.
Thank you… and “Hallo Writer”
“Thank goodness I can now say ‘retired’ and then go ahead and do what ever I like without worrying what others might think…”–Oh, I just loved that! And I think you are right, these labels will change given the boon of self-publishing.
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by!
I call myself a writer now (after several years of writing so it took a while) but I still at times get nervous, especially when people ask about what books I’ve published (which of course is still none – but I’m working on it).
Really helps to hear that. I suspect many feel “writer” and “published” must go together, but inside I know that isn’t true. It’s just hard to admit it and say it out loud, especially when you’ve identified with a different occupation for years.
Thanks as always for visiting and commenting!
Self-doubt and I are old frenemies. When I had to stand up at my 5th grader’s Career Day and proclaim I was a writer, the cat was out of the ol’ bag. Writer. Writer. Writer. I said it. Congrats on your upcoming book!
How wonderful you were able to come out! I look forward to that day.
Thanks for stopping by!