Own it

Writers can sometimes be reticent with saying that they are, indeed, writers. When I applied for a library card at a small library, it asked for occupation. And I, boldly, wrote down "writer."
And it was rather freeing.

A young man looked me up the other day because he knew I wrote. Asked me some questions about what he was writing. Asked about resources he could look at. And then he says, almost bashfully, I'm a writer. Followed closely by...well, not really...I just write.
I l0oked at him for second and then said...
"Own it. You do not simply "write." You ARE a writer. Don't dismiss it. Don't shove it under the rug. Own it. Because it's who you are. No matter if you publish or not. No matter if no one but you ever reads your work. You. Are. A. Writer. OWN IT!"
He looked at me rather surprised (unused to my bluntness and um...stubborness), but then he smiled. And I knew I made my point.

What is the difference between Nora Roberts and I? We both like Diet Pepsi. We both write romance.
The difference is in the scope. Me=a little fish. She=a big fish.
But we're both writers.

The difference between this young man and I? We both write. We both live in the same town.
Me=progressing down the published road. He=just starting out.
But we're both writers.

Writing is a rocky path. A path with pitfalls and jubilation. Highs and lows so dizzying that we should probably all be on medication. But it's the path we choose. The path we love. The path that is meant for us. Our souls cry out for us.
Don't deny it.

OWN IT
Grins*