I think I started calling myself a writer when I started writing in community (attending a regular writing group). I like to introduce myself with the title "hobbyist writer" - feels more low pressure. lol
I thank you for sharing this. I think it is so important for writers a step or two behind you to see this. As for you, I implore you to OWN IT> You aren't only a writer, you are a published writer. These are not my opinions, these are FACTS. Congratulations on all you have already accomplished and all that's surely to come!
Thanks for the encouragement. Slowly, but surely I think ownership is coming. I do a monthly writer's circle, and two other participants have self-published books as well. We're trying to do some things together this year together; support is so important.
Really great post; love the idea of sharing lessons learned. I definitely did this also and sometimes find myself slipping back into the habit of describing myself as someone "who wants to be a writer" even though I am one. I was lucky enough to be part of a 3-day writers course with Scottish Youth Theatre back in 2009. The writer running the course addressed the room of "would-be" writers and told us that each and everyone of us were writers; and to shed the "aspiring" from our description. This was a seminal moment for me as a writer.
And thanks for appreciating my current project. I realized there have been these little things said over and over again that have helped so many writers over the years (including myself), and here I am with this platform where I can spread them a little further? How could I not try! We'll see if I make it 100 days straight! This is a real challenge for me. I'm not a daily challenge type of person, but I am going for it. Wish me luck!
I think I started calling myself a writer when I started writing in community (attending a regular writing group). I like to introduce myself with the title "hobbyist writer" - feels more low pressure. lol
I've self-published a novel, and I still feel funny about it.
I thank you for sharing this. I think it is so important for writers a step or two behind you to see this. As for you, I implore you to OWN IT> You aren't only a writer, you are a published writer. These are not my opinions, these are FACTS. Congratulations on all you have already accomplished and all that's surely to come!
Thanks for the encouragement. Slowly, but surely I think ownership is coming. I do a monthly writer's circle, and two other participants have self-published books as well. We're trying to do some things together this year together; support is so important.
That’s an excellent distinction.
It's so simple, but it is funny how many of us need it pointed out to us!
Really great post; love the idea of sharing lessons learned. I definitely did this also and sometimes find myself slipping back into the habit of describing myself as someone "who wants to be a writer" even though I am one. I was lucky enough to be part of a 3-day writers course with Scottish Youth Theatre back in 2009. The writer running the course addressed the room of "would-be" writers and told us that each and everyone of us were writers; and to shed the "aspiring" from our description. This was a seminal moment for me as a writer.
What a gift you received as part of the course!
And thanks for appreciating my current project. I realized there have been these little things said over and over again that have helped so many writers over the years (including myself), and here I am with this platform where I can spread them a little further? How could I not try! We'll see if I make it 100 days straight! This is a real challenge for me. I'm not a daily challenge type of person, but I am going for it. Wish me luck!
You're 100% right. It was a gift! Best of luck; look forward to reading more!