Can you use this phrase, yet? When someone asks what you do, can you respond by saying, \u201cI\u2019m a writer,\u201d or do the words stick in your throat?<\/p>\n
Maybe you aren\u2019t writing full-time, so it doesn\u2019t seem right to claim writing as your profession.
\nSo, at what point will you be able to accept the label, \u201cwriter?\u201d <\/p>\n
For me, it was after I sold my first few articles and a publisher accepted my first book. However, I know people who introduce themselves as authors as soon as they decide to write a book. <\/p>\n
Twice, recently, someone asked me what I do. While I\u2019ve been earning my living through writing-related endeavors for decades, I must say that I felt a need to explain myself when I responded, \u201cI\u2019m a writer.\u201d <\/p>\n
Think about it; I remember when I didn\u2019t know another serious, career writer. Today, everyone is writing a book. Throughout the 1970s and \u201880s, you weren\u2019t taken seriously as a writer because no one, except the big name authors, were considered legitimate. Today, you aren\u2019t taken seriously as a writer because everyone is writing something.<\/p>\n
When I responded recently by saying \u201cI\u2019m a writer,\u201d I felt compelled to add, \u201cI actually have carved out a 35-year career for myself in the writing field.\u201d<\/p>\n
I needed to justify my claim to show that I am a writer in every sense of the word and I\u2019m not just another person who has suddenly decided to write his memoirs. I needed this person to know that I am the real deal\u2014whatever that is. <\/p>\n
But then, this has been career-long issue\u2014trying to get others to understand that I don\u2019t just sit down and write when the mood strikes, I write for a living. And, \u201cNo,\u201d my name might not be familiar to you\u2014you\u2019ve probably never read anything I have written.<\/p>\n
And now my career isn\u2019t only about writing. It has evolved into a publishing company that\u2019s responsible for producing over a dozen books. It is a virtual bookstore that sells books on a variety of topics. It is a consulting firm where writers and authors can come for assistance and guidance. It is an editorial service as well as a virtual classroom and a source of presentations for freelance writers and authors. On top of this, I have offered my services as a working officer in SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) for the past 13 years. But who, other than someone who desires my services cares about all this?<\/p>\n
How do you view yourself within the world of creativity? Are you a serious writer\/author? Do you consider yourself a professional in this field? Maybe you are just starting out, but you aspire to establish a writing career. Or maybe you are writing your first book\u2014a memoir, a novel or a business book designed to promote your work, for example. Will you pursue this project as a professional or do you still view writing as a frivolous activity?<\/p>\n
It has been my observation over the years that those who take the necessary steps toward publishing success (whether as an author or freelance writer), have a much greater success rate. And more of these folks can justifiably wear the title, writer or author.<\/p>\n
For help in establishing your business model and achieving your publishing dreams, study some of my books. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book <\/em><\/strong>or A Writer\u2019s Guide to Magazine Articles<\/em><\/strong>, are two great choices. Check them out at: Be sure to stop by and see the new SPAWN site. Sign up for the FREE SPAWN monthly newsletter and receive a FREE copy of our new ebooklet, Promote Yourself, 25 Ways to Promote Your Work Whether You\u2019re an Author, Artist or Small Publisher<\/em><\/strong>. Can you use this phrase, yet? When someone asks what you do, can you respond by saying, \u201cI\u2019m a writer,\u201d or do the words stick in your throat? Maybe you aren\u2019t writing full-time, so it doesn\u2019t seem right to claim writing as your profession. So, at what point will you be able to accept the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"