Today, I want to talk about language. I brought this up in a previous post, but I thought it seemed like such an insecure thing, that I wanted to dedicate this post to it.
Tell me the difference in tone in these two sentences:
1. "I am a writer"
2. "I want to be a writer"
Did ya guess?
One sounds a little less confident, right?
Here's a little background: Writer number one and two are both writers. Number two doesn't associate her writing with 'being a writer' she associates 'being a writer' with publication. Therefore, she sounds insecure.
Writer number two is me. Isn't it interesting that you aren't considered a legitimate writer most of the time because you're not published? Now, in a writing community, we're all treated equal. In the world out there, however, you're not taken seriously until you can say, "I'm getting published" or "I AM published!"
The only comparison I can think of is this: Relationships. Yes, relationships. A few of my friends have been in longer relationships. I will never catch up to their time because as the years go by, the years they are together gets longer. They will always say, "Oh, you'll learn, you haven't been together long enough." My question is, when exactly are we going to be together long enough to be accepted as a legitimate couple? See, their idea is, all relationships experience the same stresses. I disagree.
This is the same with writing when you face society. First, you're not legitimate until you're published. Once I'm published I won't be good unless I make a lot of money at it. Then, if I don't, my career choice will be considered a failure. This is to society, keep in mind.
But to me, as with my relationship, they don't have to be like everyone else's career or relationship. I want to write because I love it. I AM a writer because that's what I want to be. And my boyfriend is not like everyone else's boyfriend.
So, what am I trying to say after all this? Well, I'm going to become proactive in attempting to say "I am a writer" when I'm telling people about my career choice. In fact, I started my career 9 years ago. I think I'm legitimate enough!
You are a writer! No get over there and change your 'about me' section. Because you've been working your butt off and you deserve the title!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to think about that. I feel like there is a big subset of people who would disagree with you and say something like, just because I think I'm an astronaut, doesnt make me an astronaut.
ReplyDeleteBut those people probably hadn't been working their behind off for nine years doing everything an astronaut does.
You are a writer.
I just went through this last month and then I realized I don't disqualify kids or teens as athletes just because they don't make money doing it. I am a writer - so are you. It does get easier.
ReplyDeleteIf you write, you are definitely a writer. When you're published, you can say you're a published writer, but you're still a writer!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are a writer! I'm a firm believer that you do not have to be published to call yourself such. Good luck with youe journey. I look forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I was reading something on getting published, and one thing that stuck out was that while rejections will happen, just submitting something and getting it rejected makes you a writer in the sense that you are involved in the process. So I can't wait to get my first rejection!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and you're totally write (<--hee hee).
ReplyDeleteLady, when I talk about you to family or friends I tell them you are a writer and tell them somewhat about your stories and that you are trying to get published. I've always thought of you as a writer, because that's what you are. Get used to saying you are a writer, because that's difinitley what you are. Be positive, confident.
ReplyDeleteJen C.