When people find out I’ve published a book, a surprising number say, Oh, I have this book I’ve always wanted to write. Naturally, they want to know how I got published, mostly because they want to know how to publish their (as yet unwritten) book.
This is natural because of the persistent idea that writing and publishing is easy, 1-2-3, off to fame and riches. And because most people want to know the end game before they start, which has a redeemable logic. I understand this and help people decipher the business when I can.
But it’s surprising to me for two reasons: 1) Although I had a childhood love of writing, I never had a novel that I carried around in me, waiting to be written. Once I had a novel that wanted to be written, it was all I could do to keep myself from writing it night and day, and 2) These gentle souls don’t really know if they are writers yet.
There is a difference between someone-who-writes and a writer. The point where you own that title and proudly tell others I’m a writer, marks a transition where writing is not just a hobby, but a passion. Each person will have their own story about when they owned that title for themselves. But most people who say I have this book I’ve always wanted to write aren’t there yet.
This is what I tell my friends, acquaintances, and the occasional security guard, who want to discover if they are writers:
I didn’t start writing until I was 43 years old, but it wasn’t long before I was completely hooked and literally couldn’t stop. Two novels later, I was ready to consider whether I wanted to try to write for publication.
Strangely, I still hadn’t owned the title when I sent the rough draft of my second novel to be printed at the Staples. The Staples guy handed me my bound manuscript, covered in plastic and safely wrapped in brown paper. “Oh,” he said. “Are you a writer?”
I blinked. “Uh, yes. Yes, I am.” It was the first time I had been asked that question, but I hope to be answering it for years to come.
Great point! That's how it worked for me too (although I'm not yet published.) But I wrote that first story and sent it out. Then I realized, "Oh hey, guess I need to work on the craft." And the rest is history… now I can think of doing little else other than writing and honing the craft.
hi miss susan! once i got writing and got my first book done. i just kept changing it and doing more to it bunches of times and while i was doing that i couldnt wait to get started on the next one and had a idea for one after that. for me i think im not a real writer yet cause i got soooo much to learn to do it better. so i guess im a sorta writer. but i gotta say i sure love doing it.
…hugs from lenny
@PK It just grips you, doesn't it? More than is healthy, according to my husband. 🙂
@Lenny You are a writer, Lenny, and you're leagues ahead of many who haven't finished a novel yet. I don't have to tell you to keep working at it, because I know you will. But you should know that love you feel for the writing is what makes the difference. 🙂
excellent distinction about someone who writes and a "writer." So true, and I had the same experience–it wasn't until I had a book in me that I couldn't stop writing 'round the clock… Then a few more popped up! 😀 yay~
Grr – blogger kicked me out! And I had a comment I was sure would make you smile! 😉
Anyhow, I've finally become a 'writer' this past year – and it has a lot to do with helping to start a fiction writers group (which has now become a fantastic crit group) and starting my blog. It being public keeps me more accountable, keeps me writing (even if only a few words a day – we're potty training around here!), and that momentum has me excited to finish first draft of shiny old idea in time for nano… so I can start shiny new idea… then my Christmas present to me will be revising. And I can't wait to be there! I just want to enjoy the process.
Yep, I'm finally a 'writer' and not just 'someone who writes'… thanks for another great post Susan! Excellent distinction… and it fit for me as soon as I read it. 🙂
Susan, thanks for reminding us how important it is to ignore the seminars, books, conferences, magazine articles, etc. at some point and just write! Every day. And get the book done! I have a writer friend who goes to conference after conference after conference and then moans about having no time to work on his novel. I find myself biting my tongue so often I'm spitting blood!
@LTM It's an awesome feeling when you're captivated by the Muse! 🙂
@DL The only thing I could do while potty training (my children, not me) was try to say sane. Good for you, for getting any writing done!
@Darby There's a whole industry to serve writers, just waiting to "help" us. And I enjoy conferences and books on writing as much as the next person, but it can be very distracting, just as you say! My blog fills my distraction quota all by itself!! 🙂
Sometimes I'm a devoted writer…sometimes I'm lost…Right now I'm still trying to get my house back after the summer "fun." I'll be a writer again soon. 🙂
@Sharon The ebb and flow of life doesn't stop you from being a writer. I haven't been paid for engineering work for a decade, but I still call myself an engineer. It's sort of like being a Jedi – once you are, you never stop. 🙂
Mostly what Lenny said, only I've been doing it a little longer. 🙂
@Bryan You're still a whippersnapper. But a hugely talented one.
This is a lovely post! And that is really great advice you to give to others who want to write. It's really nice these days to be able to say with confidence that I'm a writer. I don't know why it took that long to develop the confidence. 🙂
This is great, Susan. I think you'll be a writer for a long time to come 🙂
@Michelle Everyone has their own path to it, but it feels good when you have that confidence, no? 🙂
@Sherrie I hope so! I feel like I've wagered a large bet of time and effort. I hope it pays off. 🙂
Beautifully put. This describes the moment of realization better than anything I have ever read.
I also like how you acknowledge that sometimes writing it down fulfills the creative impulse and that story doesn't need to move forward. Sometimes that happens. I'm not sure if I am truly a writer yet, but I am writing.
@Laurie Whenever you're ready to embrace the writer title, you'll know it. It will feel right. And a little giddy. 🙂
thanks for commenting on my blog
The best way to know you're a writer? Not getting discouraged
@eeleen I think everyone gets discouraged at some point – but people with the passion tend to push through the discouragement and keep on keeping on! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
My opportunity to write daily came when I was 50 (3yrs ago). In that time I have risen before dawn, loved every moment of releasing my mind onto paper. I have now written 1 adult novel, 1.5 children's books, and have 3 wip. Plus I self published my poetry into two books. I wake every day thankful I am free from illness and have found a world to enjoy.
I know have the courage to say, I am a writer. The two words, The End, helped me realise that is what I am. 😉
I enjoyed my visit, thank you.
Nissi Peters
Author Glynis Smy
I just started telling people I'm a writer. Earlier I wasn't convinced that I had the right to refer to myself in those terms, but I'm over that insecurity now. Good post!
@Glynis Congrats on all you have accomplished, not least owning the title of writer. There is something magical about those word, The End, isn't there? 🙂
@Catherine I'm so glad you feel you can own your writer-hood! 🙂
Wonderfully said! I'm going to be participating in NaNoWriMo for the second time this year.
How do you stay focused? I often find that I am constantly interrupted during the day when my boys are about. The middle of the night-not so much-unless I get on facebook!
Wish me word vomit!
nicole
writespell.com
@nicole Good luck with NaNo! I have a horrible time getting any writing done during the summer, when my boys are home. Mostly I write during the school year, but distraction is a constant battle! 🙂
great advice, susan
beth-project52.blogspot.com