Writing about being a ‘writer’
Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Natasha
Writing about writing, Week #16
In your opinion, when does someone become a ‘writer’? Once he or she has written something? Had something published? When writing becomes the day job? Or at some other stage in the process?
Do you call yourself a writer?
If you’ve answered this question in your blog, please leave a link to the entry in the comments box below. Alternatively you can write/paste your answer directly in the comments box.
I’m leaving you a link to my post. It is definitely not a straight forward answer, but hey mind is not linear now is it?
http://eclectic-closet.blogspot.com/2007/09/sunday-scribblings-76-writing.html
I think a writer becomes a ‘writer’ when they take on the mantle for themselves. The right time for each writer is unique and tied to their own beliefs about what makes a writer. For some, simply the act of writing makes them a writer, for others it’s all about full-time focus.
I’m a writer, I wear my writer mantle, but I still hold back from calling myself an ‘author’. For me, that honored title is for traditionally published fiction novelists. When I have my first fiction novel published by a traditional publisher I’ll pull the shroud of ‘author’ over my shoulders. Others would consider an author anyone who’s been published in any medium. Some would consider me an author in that sense.
But in my own head the tags have to match my personal perceptions of success. I think that is true for everyone. We each see the world through our own experiences and beliefs.