Hello, my name is Samantha Bryant and I'm a writer.
This is my first posting in the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It feels like there should be a ritual beginning, like AA, so I stole theirs. It was either that or put myself up for the virgin auction like this is a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
I'm more comfortable with confession.
Still, it's quite an admission, isn't it? You tell people you are a writer and you get quite a range of reactions. Some are admiring or jealous. Some seem to think it's a sign of mental illness. The worst part for me is when I have to admit that I don't have a published book yet and someone's face falls, or worse yet, becomes pitying.
It's true. My books are not published yet. Two are finished and two are in progress though. So, don't feel sorry for me. Whether or not I ever manage to be paid for these labors of love, I am rich in the knowledge that I created them.
Writers write. I'm writing. Therefore I am a writer.
The
Insecure Writer's Support Group is a monthly blog hop to lend support
to a growing community of writers. I encourage you to go to Alex Cavanaugh's excellent blog and join in.
Good attitude. You can't sell something until you create it. Or at least make people believe that you're gonna create it and that's probably a relatively rare feat best achieved by masters of persuasion or those with a good marketer in front of them.
ReplyDeleteI agree though--if you write then you are a writer. What else do you call it?
I'm now a new follower at this blog.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
Thanks, Lee!
DeleteSince being disabled I've had to make a choice. I can revolve my life around my disability or I can carve out a new identity for myself.
ReplyDeleteScrew putting my disability first.
My name's Jason, and I'm a writer. And I don't give a damn whether or not I have the bona fides that other people think I should have in order to call myself a writer.
As a writer, I have the opportunity to grow and improve. My identity can become stronger the more I write. As a permanently disabled person, I can never exceed the limitations of my disability, and I refuse to live that life.
I've read your work, Jason. You are not only a writer, you're a good one. I think you'll be paid for it someday, too. :-)
DeleteMy name is Lorraine, and I'm a writer. I write because I have no choice. Whether I'm ever paid, or even read to be honest, doesn't change the fact that the words come and I must put them on paper. Three picture books in complete manuscript form, four rejection letters and a long list of agents and publishers to go. A novel, my baby, is my current obsession. The experience of writing is what makes us writers, not the rest of it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the group!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a paid writer either. I've written two books. Neither of which are published yet. I'm still in draft mode. But, that's okay. It's fun and I'm not in any hurry. That's why I don't run around looking to collect followers like shiny pennies. If I like their blogs, I follow, if they are simply promoting their most recent book, I move along. I like honest people who love to write and help others. Pretty simple. So, again, welcome!!
Elsie
co-host IWSG
I like that. You are writing, therefore, you are a writer. I like that a lot. I've only had two shorts published and I'm good with that because it is the beginning not the end. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
That's what matters!
ReplyDeleteEven when you become an author, the odd looks don't always end. People must just have strange ideas about writers.
And welcome to the IWSG!!
Welcome to the IWSG, Samantha. It's a wonderful community.
ReplyDeleteThere is real power in claiming your dreams. Saying you're a writer is one of the first steps of being able to make a living at it. I totally believe that.
And it could be worse…I always get, "why aren't your books published yet?" or "where can I buy them?" Some people have been waiting a long time to read my work. :)
Less is more in my opinion. I only tell people what I think they want to hear. Stay true to yourself. You don't need to impress anyone but you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support.
Heather