December 19, 2010

5 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 20, 2010 at 11:24 AM

    I think a writer is someone who writes. Of course many people would like to be published and get fame and yaddayadda but how many people actually write every day? As a longtime musician and fan of music, I have always had distaste for those bands or singers who just suddenly hit it big. I have much more respect for the guys who toured in old Chevy vans for years and booked their own shows and made friends with fans, the people who played music because they were musicians, not becaue the media suddenly noticed them. I also respect novelists who had to work at it a while before being published because they are true writers, not glory-seekers.

    I certainly have moments where I daydream about being published. I also have many moments where I don't write anything serious for days and days and those are the times when I don't consider myself a writer because, uh, I didn't write anything.

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  2. deekDecember 20, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    Yeah, I subscribe to that definition as well, but I can't help but think that "published" writer look down on the rest of us, and I'm not the type of person that wants to be looked down upon (nor look down on others).

    Add to that, I have a friend or two that have been published by smaller epubs and makes it a point to describe himself as "published" and I am generally a competitive person, so its always something I have in the back of my mind.

    I guess I should just be happy in knowing that I write almost every day, sometimes working on a novel or shorter piece of fiction, but other times, blogging, correspondence or other stuff. If I could just get these labels out of my head, than I wouldn't think about it at all and just go about my merry way:)

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  3. notagainDecember 21, 2010 at 8:22 AM

    I'm jealous! I hope someday that happens to me. As for publication, it's all opaque to me, I wish I had more insight into the selection process.

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  4. deekDecember 21, 2010 at 8:29 AM

    Yeah, it was pretty cool talking about writing and being looked upon as an experienced writer. I still have a lot to learn about writing, my process and the steps that come after finishing a first draft (editing, submissions, etc), but I feel well on my way.

    I certainly would like to feel publication was more transparent, but I'm goal-oriented, and that is an obvious goal to have on my board to strive to achieve. Not that it is my only goal, just something I would like to do.

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  5. wordrebelDecember 21, 2010 at 9:28 AM

    As you know I label myself as a 'writer' second only to 'dad'. I have never had anything of note published aside from a few letters to the editor of my college paper but the passion I have for writing mades me understand that there is nothing more I want to be. There is no other line of 'work' I want my name associated with. There is just something about bringing characters to life and crafting a story that really resonates with the reader...it's an amazing feeling.

    I guess what I'm saying is that being a writer isn't so much a job title as a way to direct your life. Okay...that sounds kind of hokey but you know what I mean...

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