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| I used to prefer a pen, but now I find I am most efficient when I use a keyboard. |
Thinking of myself as a writer has been a gradual process, and I still struggle to label myself this way.
It was easy to say "I am a nurse." I have a degree, and a license, and pay stubs to prove that. Calling myself a writer though, or even a blogger feels a little counterfeit. I have a blog, and I have published articles on it and elsewhere. I have even made a little money writing - but not enough yet to pay the bills! Until I can figure out how to more accurately measure my stats, I'm not really even sure of my audience! So yes, I am a writer - but one not very sure of her worth or her readership.
Our roles are often associated with income. Without much monetary compensation, I cannot really consider writing my occupation - despite the amount
of time I devote to it. It certainly would be easier to justify the hours I spend writing and blogging if it became more lucrative. If that happened, I would be truly content. But, I am not
paid to be a parent and I am (without question) a mother. Should it be so hard then, for me to believe in myself as a writer?
I recently read, “Some Questions on Creative Self Confidence” published by Laurel Regan on Alphabet salad. The first paragraph expresses my thoughts perfectly. I had already been planning to write on this topic, but was unaware that anyone else felt the same! I have wrestled with this question of confidence a lot, and Ms. Regan's article and all the comments written by readers provided a lot of insight on this topic.
I love to write, and I am incredibly fond of my blog. It is hard to verbalize confidently to others, but in my heart, I know I am a writer. A writer trying to prove to myself and the world that I can write!
I love to write, and I am incredibly fond of my blog. It is hard to verbalize confidently to others, but in my heart, I know I am a writer. A writer trying to prove to myself and the world that I can write!
Do you lack of confidence about something you like to do?
This post was linked to the Monday Motivational Link Party
Interesting thoughts! I read Regan's post, too and I can see why this is a struggle. We do seem to need to make money at something in order to feel legitimate. I only do this with myself though. If other people tell me they do things, paint, quilt, write, or play an instrument I have no qualms about calling them an artist, quilter, writer, or musician, no matter what level of proficiency they've achieved. I certainly never ask them if they've made any money as a way to gage whether they "deserve" the title. We're always so much harder on ourselves!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this perspective - and you are right, I only question myself - not others - in this way as well!
DeleteI am so glad to discover that I'm not the only one who struggles with artistic labels! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and linking to my post - I love the discussions that have come from this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing it Laurel. It was interesting to realize that I am not the only one who has been pondering this!
DeleteSusan - you are definitely a writer, and a very good one. Your writing inspires me every day! I know what you mean though - writing is a bit of an intangible, especially when you aren't being paid for it, so it's hard to gauge its worth.
ReplyDeleteYour support means so much Lana! These compliments are worth their weight in gold :)
DeleteI'm just now beginning to feel good about saying I'm a writer…but it took forty years to get here…..
ReplyDeleteI hope it doesn't take me 40 years. I got too late of a start for that as it would really test the longevity of my family genes!
Delete"What's in a name?" came to mind just now. Was it a song? A poem? or just a saying? I can't remember....
ReplyDeleteShakespeare ... Romeo and Juliet ... such a fitting quote in this context of wondering about being a writer I think! And my answer to Juliet's question would be yes - a rose would smell as sweet by any other name. So, perhaps it doesn't matter what we call ourselves, as long as we write! Thanks for this insight!
DeleteI think for me, it's as if I'm working up to becoming a writer. I've never had the feeling that I'm a writer. It's like I'm a blogger now working up to being writer. I still need to learn so much.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are a blogger who is a writer Rena! I enjoy your posts!!
DeleteI have felt this way too. Now I do say I am an author or a writer but it still feels strange because I have two other jobs that pay the bills.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we need to remember the stereotype of starving artists -- some of the great masters didn't make any money in their lifetimes. (It would be nice if we didn't have to wait that long though!) For me, right now, I feel like having readers is invaluable - and the knowledge that someone likes what I write is paycheck enough!
DeleteI think it's because others around us are incredibly judgmental. Heck, I make a living writing and still have a hard time because it's not a "typical" job. You ARE a writer, simply because you sat down to write. You enjoy it. Embrace it. And now, if you don't mind, I'm off to listen to my own advice ;)
ReplyDeleteMaybe people are judgmental because they are envious. I can't think of a better job than writing - being paid to do this would truly be the icing on the cake!!
DeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower. I think you are a writer. I have read several of your articles and I enjoyed them all...and that's saying a lot...because I don't like to read. Oh yeah, we have several things in common. I am a nurse...not as educated. I don't feel that I can write at all...but love to write. Hopefully, this will all pay off. Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Trish
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and your nice comments! From what I see on your blog, you express your thoughts well - so you are indeed a writer! I am following you as well. Have a great day!
This is so funny I had just had this conversation on our FB group when Huffington Post wanted me to write my bio. Could I call myself a writer I asked or was I a blogger. The resounding answer was that we are writers and our blogs are our vehicles. Another I anwer I got was a writer is a story teller so you are a writer on both fronts.
ReplyDelete