A while back, when I first began this journey from reader to writer, I came across an article that called to me. At the time, I was so new to the process of writing a novel, that the idea of being able to call myself a writer felt like an impossible dream. I had after all, no published books, no agent, no editor, not even a finished manuscript.
Then Chuck Sambuchino’s article found me and I realised I had it all wrong!
To my way of thinking, being a writer was a title I could only claim when I had proven I could write a novel, have it published and be praised by readers and critics alike. Sounds great, but that could be a long time coming and what, if anything, do you call yourself in the meantime?
Now, it might not matter to most people – in fact, I’m quite sure what title I give myself means very little to anyone but me – but particularly one section of Sambuchino’s article struck a chord:
When you finally call yourself a writer, it drives home the fact that this is real. It’s serious. We’re no longer talking about some vague ambition. You’re a professional writer who has to produce content, be that novels or nonfiction books or articles or whatever.
Chuck Sambuchino
Go ahead and say it right now: “I am a writer.” The more it becomes real for you, the more it will drive you to sit down as much as possible and put words on the page.
At that point, I decided I didn’t have to wait to call myself a writer – especially if doing so would help me find the right mindset and believe in myself a bit more. I know it has helped me work harder and find the motivation to keep going, even when taking the time to write or dealing with writer’s block felt like a never ending battle. It has become a part of my identity and something I am fiercely proud of. And so, even now I still tell myself:
I am a writer!
And this is my journey…
S.Veelo - Author 