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When can someone call themselves a Writer?
Hi! I'm new to this forum and indeed new to writing full time, rather than leisurely.
I found it quite awkward and a little fearful, when I chose to tell my family that I wanted to become a writer.
It seemed that choosing to be a writer is considered the same as wanting to be a singer or actor or model. Something that can only be dreamed about by so many, yet achieved by few.
Writing is very personal to me and although I seek fair critique, it is sometimes difficult to hear, but will take it on board and use it positively.
My question is simply - When can someone call themselves a Writer?
Do they need to have something published first before rightfully owning this title? Or, is it someone who writes for whatever reason and is good at it? What's your opinion. I have never had anything published, but I do refer to myself openly as a writer...in progress.
I found it quite awkward and a little fearful, when I chose to tell my family that I wanted to become a writer.
It seemed that choosing to be a writer is considered the same as wanting to be a singer or actor or model. Something that can only be dreamed about by so many, yet achieved by few.
Writing is very personal to me and although I seek fair critique, it is sometimes difficult to hear, but will take it on board and use it positively.
My question is simply - When can someone call themselves a Writer?
Do they need to have something published first before rightfully owning this title? Or, is it someone who writes for whatever reason and is good at it? What's your opinion. I have never had anything published, but I do refer to myself openly as a writer...in progress.
Comments
Welcome aboard... and....keeeeeeppp writing...
(oh dear... to early in the morning for that stuff)
Does it actually matter? Alan Bennett, for example, didn't 'feel' like a writer for years after he was first published. This didn't stop him writing. So just write.
Welcome to the board lexas57.
Don't worry about definitions - just do it.
I will add one thing from personal experience though: you will generally get a different answer to your question, depending on who you ask.
Another writer - published or not - will tend to affirm that of course you are a writer. However, the claim 'I am a writer' to a non-writer tends to invite the question 'so what have you had published?' because Joe Public perceives a writer to be someone who publishes their work, whereas the rest of us know differently!
I don't feel so awkward now about calling myself a writer.
Thanks again all!
Blessings
It's difficult to say, isn't it?
I find it easier to say, 'I write' or more often, 'I do a bit of/enjoy writing' than 'I'm a writer' as it comes with so many expectations. I dread the questions that follow. I always think that to say the words 'I'm a writer' implies that it's your job, much in the same way as to say 'I'm an actor' implies that it's what you do for a living, but those who have already commented are right. If you write, then yes, you are a writer... it just takes confidence to say it!
There's a kind of alchemy that means you can type or write in flowing paragraphs, but you could never just sit and speak the same words.
If you were a singer or musician, you would think in music; writing is like silent singing. Yet we're all hesitant about admitting it. It's not a dirty secret, or a vice - it's what we are born to be.
TN, and anyone else who is shy of the thought, stand up and shout it: 'I'm a writer!'
I agree with Mrs Bear's comments.
I am a...
...WRITER!!!
I imagine.
And in case I forgot to mention it, I AM A WRITER too!
TN - how about WW (Writefully Writers) ?
Well, you've all given me some options and maybe I just need to believe it in myself a little more. And do I really need others to know? Probably not, as I have you guys to shout it out all over the gaff! Love it!
Thanks again guys, its great to talk to like-minded people, who understand where I'm coming from.
It's 03:45, so I should head off to my bed now, even though I'll be awake at 06:30! Habitual Insomniac!
I usually refer to myself as an aspiring writer.
I AM A WRITER!
I am a writer.
When my story is broadcast on Black Country radio I shall call myself 'writer and broadcaster'. I might have cards printed.
Move aside, Trevor McDonald. There's a mollusc making trails.
Perhaps 'writer, broadcaster and political commentator' might be appropriate.
*makes note to take autograph book if ever a meet-up is on the cards*
I wonder what Heather was thinking... 8-|
We'll have to use our imaginations. We should be good at that.
I'll get me coat.