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Being a writer takes a lot of confidence. Telling people you are a writer takes even more.
But the question is WHY? Why is it so hard to say, "I am a writer."
There is nothing glamorous about the day-to-day task of writing. It can be difficult, often is demanding and frequently intimidating. What job isn't? I think we stumble because we are self-employed and virtually going at it alone.
I finally prepared an answer for times when people ask me my occupation.
"I am a writer," I say to the dental hygienist.
"What do you write?" he asks (they always ask that next).
"I write magazine articles about parenting and my life as a military spouse. I currently write for KC Parent, Military Spouse Magazine and any other publication that will buy an article from me," I say, laughing a little about that last part (though it's true).
I feel better knowing what to say when someone asks me these questions. What about you? Do you stumble over the fact that you are a writer? How do you answer when someone asks your occupation?
You are so right, Julie. The confidence trick must be having a one- or two-sentence answer to the question "What do you write?" I'm definitely going to work on that! Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteI guess my problem is whether I can honestly say I'm a writer since I haven't had anything published. Sure, I write. A lot. But I've only submitted one thing in my life, so I'm not sure I'm a writer until others say I am. Is that crazy?
ReplyDeleteI am also asked about what I do as a technical writer, and I have learned to break it down for people in simple terms just like I break down tasks in the manuals I write. I have only started freelancing, after years of writing long blog posts, it has recently occurred to me to try to make money off my passion. Duh!
ReplyDeleteI am confident in my writing abilities and the proof is in the responses I get. We think our personal experiences come about to teach us, but when we share them, it helps others and they no longer feel alone in their struggles.
I used to. I would almost answer sheepishly, because I was unpublished. Even once I published a couple pieces I hesitated before saying "I'm a writer." But then something clicked. I realized that I was a writer, a passionate one, for life. There's no going back. This is what I want to be, forever. And I want to become a better writer for every day that passes by. So now I say "I'm a writer" and feel more confident in myself!
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