I read a couple of blog posts from fellow writers this past week talking about their hesitancies in calling themselves writers or authors, even though both of them have had works published.
The main thoughts that ran through my head were, “Well, of course, you’re a writer. You’ve written books, published them, and continue to write. Why wouldn’t you call yourself a writer?”
As I understood their explanations, when they were asked what they do, they weren’t confident enough in themselves due to the social stigma of saying “I’m a writer.”
If they were to say they were writers, they’d often get questions like, “Have you been published?” or worse, “Yes, but what’s your real job.” So some fellow authors would respond with falling back on their other day job, such as working in an office or a stay-at-home mom.
But they came to the realization that they ARE worthy of the title of writer. They ARE WRITERS/AUTHORS. It’s part of who they are. It’s a part of who all of us writers are.
It’s an extension of ourselves. Our hearts, souls, experiences, and unique social and cultural backgrounds. We share this indirectly and sometimes directly in our writings, and it’s a good thing.
I have to tell you, saying I am a writer has been easy. It is one area in my life where I have complete confidence.
I knew I could write in my teens and early twenties, even though I lacked a lot of knowledge on how to write in-depth characters, totally believable plots, and point of view (POV).
Even after I quit writing from around 1997 to 2014, I never thought I couldn’t write. I’d just put it on the back burner due to putting business college, a job, my marriage, and then my children along with my husband as my top priority (as I felt I should be).
I didn’t really think too much about picking up a pen and scrawling across a blank sheet of paper then because few ideas sprung up.
Life works that way, I think. Things happen when they’re supposed to.
Ideas began to sprout in the summer and early fall of 2014 before I registered for online college to get a degree in Creative Writing and English.
The ideas did start popping up when I knew I could make my schooling experience all about writing stories, all about a future in what has always been in me since I was a child.
That flame has never been totally doused.
Playing certain sports and writing stories were the only two things I had total confidence in myself throughout my childhood, adulthood, up to the present day.
My confidence grew through four years in college. All the negative thoughts I had of myself that I’d heard from people throughout my life lessened, became small, insignificant. I began to see myself much more positively.
Yes, I am smart. Yes, I can write very well. Yes, I am a writer. It’s part of who I am. I’m thankful I’ve not felt insecure, scared, or apprehensive in telling people who ask me what I do.
Even if I’d never had anything published, I’m still an author. It’s my job. It’s my main focus every day in the midst of my family and life of faith.
Have you had the confidence to tell others you are a writer? If you’re writing on a regular basis. If it’s your passion. If it’s part of who you are, YOU ARE A WRITER. Wear that badge with honor and pride.
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