An aspiring writer plans or wishes or hopes to write. One day. But they never do. A writer, the dictionary states, is a person who writes. I write. I've written a number of novels. So I have the right to call myself a writer, a real writer, but do I really?
I sit diligently by the computer adding words to the screen, but many a time self-doubt sneaks up and I feel like a fraud.
I don't write full-time as my day job interferes. Still, writing dominates my thoughts, demanding my attention. I devote hours daily to writing, both good hours when the words just flow and wasted hours when the words refuse to appear. I have critique partners whose suggestions I use to rewrite my work and make it the best it can be. So my writing is more than a simple leisure pursuit. It's a serious pursuit on its way to being my career.
I am not published in full-length romance fiction. My heart aches but I'm passionate about writing and proud of what I have achieved. I've attended workshops and conferences to learn my craft. I've won and placed in contests. I've had short stories published. I write blog posts. I've completed whole manuscripts. I may not have books for sale in shops or online but I don't let the disappointment own me. I'm simply not yet published.
I haven't been offered a publishing contract but I have submitted my work to editors and agents via successful pitches at conferences and via the slush pile. One rejection came after another. Discouraging? You bet it is! It's a flogging of my self-confidence and I'm left wondering, 'Is my writing any good?' Then I tell myself, 'Hey, authors Stephen King and JK Rowling received rejection letters. Did that stop them from writing? No.'
Each rejection I have received is more encouraging than the last, giving clear explanations for rejecting and requesting new submissions. The editor wants to see more of my writing. That's a big confidence booster. Is it any wonder I'm soon back at the computer writing?
So, yes, I can call myself a writer, a real writer, and I can say it with confidence. And that's...empowering!
Have you found yourself wondering if you're a real writer? At what point have you decided you are?
Love to love - planning my 'top-of-the-bucket-list' writers' retreat and Northern Lights trip.
Love to laugh - at the radio DJs who make my commutes to work and back home fun drives.
Love to learn - what other writers think about their writing.
