I'm still working toward my craft I feel I have a long way to go..each day something to learn. I don't yet feel worthy.but that is my opinion , though I worked hard to accomplish my goals. There are times when I feel others...may not realize what you put out there, reflects who you are as a writer. So don't just kick out material just to get it in front of your readers.....I learned that the hard way without doing my homework.
Permalink Reply by Jacynth Rich on This is a really interesting question! And I totally hear you about not feeling worthy to call yourself a writer or author. I think I've kind of settled on the opinion that, like with many other labels, you either identify because it resonates with you, or you don't. It's not necessarily about identifying when you have "arrived."
With me, I've never published anything save for blog posts. I'm ok with that at this stage in my life. But I do identify as a writer - this is easier for me to do because my day job is a grant writer. And it's totally not "author" work you know? I write grants. It's not a novel, it's not poetry. It's not compelling writing in any sort of artistic way. But I'm not going to let that stop me from identifying as a writer.
I'm still struggling with "author". I'm finally delving into penning down my first book, and author does feel really intimidating, like a coat that's just a bit too big you know? I'm not sure I can fill into it yet, or if I ever will.
What about you? Do you think of yourself as a writer, an author, neither? It sounds like you're still feeling it out, like I'm sure many of us are :)
One last thought - a quotation that your question reminds me of: "Put down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity, and destroy most of it."- Colette
Cheers,
jacynthrich.wordpress.com
Permalink Reply by Novelist Shayla V. McClellon on Jacynth,
You hit the nail on the head! I'm struggling to appease myself instead of others. I don't think I will ever truly feel comfortable with the author title. I love the idea that I have written words which someone can relate and tell a great story at best. I know it is a gift and I should run with it. Labeling is funny, it places you in categories, which I don't like. I write mostly suspense but find myself in different genres, always breaking the rules. So calling myself a writer, is acceptable, I am a great storyteller. But even though technically I am an author, I don't feel that label belongs to me...yet.. Love the analogy of the coat not fitting. I believe you are a writer my dear, and the title of author is only a few steps away, I'm sure. Thank you for your respond and I will keep that quotation near my laptop a tee hee!...Love it.. Best wishes!
Permalink Reply by Gili Malinsky on Oooo, I love that quote! Great insight :)
Permalink Reply by Novelist Shayla V. McClellon on Frankie,
I agree on all accounts. Everyone has their comfort zones. I wondered if anyone else is struggling with the whole ideal of being a writer/author. I don't have to be on the best sellers list to know I'm a author/writer. My concern is that I want the reader to feel they can relate to my moments of literary bliss and that maybe they want more. I do have two books published but I know I can do better writing, so that is my goal. There is a status after you have been published; to make the next book better, to keep your fan base happy, (once you get one)...that is where I am and hope to grow into my title.
Permalink Reply by Gili Malinsky on Like! Like like like!
Permalink Reply by Robyn Oyeniyi on Thank you Frankie - well said!
Permalink Reply by Jean Mishra on I feel like you peeped into my head. I've been going 'round and 'round with myself on this very subject. Now, interestingly, I have less of a problem referring to myself as an "author" because I write two blogs. Why I'm perfectly okay with that but shrivel inside if I considering calling myself a "writer." I haven't a clue why. Then I have one of those conversations with myself and it goes something like this:
"You've written the rough draft of a novel which you will begin crafting soon. You've been writing articles and blogs. The feedback has been more than enthusiastic from your readers. Why do you resist acknowledging what you are?" asks the more mature side of myself.
"I have READERS??!! I do. I have readers. I am writing. A lot. But it's not 'real writing' because, you know, only writers do that. I'm not a writer. I'm not good enough to be called a writer," whines the insecure one I'd like to throttle because she makes my life miserable at times.
"Yes, you have readers because you ARE a writer. You write. You craft words. If people tell you they like it, particularly people you don't even know, then you are good enough. You are better at it now than you were a year ago. The more you write, the better you will be and you write constantly. You are A WRITER and an author. Can you honestly argue these facts?" the mature one demands.
"No," Little Miss Insecure replies and toddles off to dunk her head in a carton of chocolate ice cream.
Sound familiar? Maybe by the time I pull my head out of the ice cream carton I can make peace with the fact that not only am I an author, I'm also a writer. But for now, I'll hide in here.
Permalink Reply by Novelist Shayla V. McClellon on Jean,
Girl, now you know you are the real writer....say it with me..."I am a writer/author of my domain, seeker of new journeys in the literary world and I will conquer my insecurities. " Yes you and I have the same thoughts and insecurities. I have a constant struggle. It sometimes happens when I'm at the end of a novel and its time to put all the pieces together and make it a meaningful ending, with maybe a surprise twist. (insert knife and turn...every reader jumps) Yea, right! That is when I roll around on the floor screaming because I don't know how to get it all done and what did I think I was doing....in THE FIRST PLACE with all these characters and all these different secondary story-line's. By the time I finally figure it all out, I'm bald on one side of my head and may have over-drank ed. But in the end I love it and will wait a week or two until that silly grin comes on my face...and the process starts all over again. Thanks for your response and Write on! Best wishes!
Permalink Reply by Gili Malinsky on That's such a good question. I think you can always call yourself a writer if writing is what you do (regardless of whether or not anyone sees it - I mean who cares, right?). I think I've started feeling more comfortable saying "I am a writer" since I got paid to do some writing this summer.
But I mean... Just call yourself a writer! That's what you are!
Permalink Reply by Novelist Shayla V. McClellon on That's it. Gili, we'll just all say we're writers..problem solved....done! LOL...Now to convince my self conscious. Best wishes!
Thanks for lending an ear!
Permalink Reply by Gili Malinsky on Whoops - I meant call yourself either writer or author. Like I don't think it matters how other people may legitimize those words, but I think you (we!) should feel empowered to call ourselves whatever we feel that we are.
Happy to listen!
Ann Jewett commented on the group 'WordPress Bloggers'
Cassandra Black posted a blog post
Caitlyn Levin posted a blog post© 2013 Created by Kamy Wicoff.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
θər
