I’ve been writing for a long time, but its only recently I’ve called myself a writer. When meeting new people, and they ask what I do, I tend to say, “I’m a stay-at-home mom.” This isn’t a lie. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for nearly five years now. (It will be five years next month. Let’s have a party. You can bring the chips.) As I was saying–I’m a stay-at-home mom, but I’m also a writer.
Why is it so hard for me to answer, “What do you do?” with, “Well, I’m a writer!”
It shouldn’t be hard, but it always is.
Somehow this last book I wrote–the one currently on submissions–helpped me bridge this gap in the personal assessment of myself. Now, I’m a, “stay-at-home mom, who writes when my child is in school.” So, I have yet to cross the entire bridge, but I’m a lot closer than before.
Now, instead of hearing about how much fun I must have ‘playing’ all the time, I get a new reply:
“Oh! That’s so interesting! What to do you write?”
“I wrote a novel. It’s science fiction.”
“Oh…” Quick subject change. (You know…because science fiction has a bad rap of being boring. It’s not. Read better books.)
But back to the issue at hand. The conundrum of “am I a writer” falls in the same vein as “if a tree falls in the forest and no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?”
Yes, it makes a sound, and yes, I’m a writer. No, I’m not on the New York Times Bestseller list–but neither have been many other writers. Maybe I will be one day. I’m not sure of that, but I am sure I’ll be published.
No, I’m not being egotistical. It’s just what needs to be done. But until that day is cemented in stone, I here by announced that I’m a writer. So if you meet me at a party (or more likely on a play ground) to answer your, “What do you do?” question is, I write.
And soon I hope to be sharing some of that writing on here for your pleasure! Do you write? Do you post it online? Leave me a link in the comments section so I can check you out!
Happy writing!! xxoo-A
Word Junkie 
Love this post! I get a similar response if anyone ever asks what I write, and I respond with “paranormal.” Some genres got a bad wrap. I’m glad there are readers out there though who light up when they hear science fiction or paranormal! I guess I’ve got a Field of Dream philosophy (or hope!) when it comes to books. If you write it, they will come. 🙂
That’s a good philosophy to have. Honestly, if you don’t cling to hope as an aspiring writer–you’ll quit. I don’t have any urge to quit, and I love my book. I just need to find someone, who also happens to be an agent, to love it as much as I do! 😉
You will!! 🙂
Thanks, Michelle! I sure hope so… which reminds me I should go look at my agent list…
Thank you for the follow! I also like this post! I am an analyst for a living, but a year ago I decided to change my LinkedIn profile to say “Philosopher of Business and Culture, Writer.” I graduated with a degree in philosophy and I have been a teacher of Japanese business management techniques so why not? And writing is my passion now that we are empty (well no exactly at the moment) nesters. Say it with pride girl and own it!
Exactly!! I love writing and it’s okay to scream it to the skies–even if I’m still in the early stages of this career. Same with you. I love that, “Philosopher of Business and Culture, Writer.” We need more philosophers. Plus, that sounds like a very interesting class to teach.
Thanks for reading my post!