conjunction junction, what’s your function?
I’m a writer.
I’m barely able to say that without giggling at this point, despite the fact that I’ve been professionally employed as a writer since 2005. Well, 2004, really, but I was freelancing at the time, and I don’t know that you could call what I was doing either “professional” or “employed.”
More “poor” and “oh my gosh.”
It seems like such a pretentious title to give myself, because what the heck is a writer? Well, it’s someone who writes.
Do you need to have readers to have the title? Does your writing need to make money to have the title? Do you need to write in a certain place to have the title? Or do you just need to have a pen and a piece of paper? I know plenty of people who “write for themselves” who far outstrip me in terms of writerly skill. They don’t need titles to be good.
In fact, reading blogs by non-employed writers is actually a great way to humble myself, especially when I realize that a lot of dentists and stay-at-home moms and computer programmers could kick my ass at what I do.
But people ask me what I do for a living, and I have to say something, so… yeah.
I don’t think I’m all the writer I should be or could be, though.
I think I should be doing a lot more writing, in different areas, of different types, and for different people. There are a lot of words in my brain yet to tumble out of my fingers onto the screen, and a lot of fresh perspective I know I could bring to different ideas and issues.
I have to start submitting my work to people who can put it places it needs to be. And I have to do that with the knowledge and confidence that I deserve to be read far more than I am right now.
But… whoa.
I’m confident at trivia, at making men over, at standing in front of microphones, in choosing the right melon, and at hugging.
Marketing myself? Not so much.
I believe in my ability. I know I can write. But to stand up and say, I CAN WRITE FOR YOU BETTER THAN THAT OTHER GUY, CHOOSE ME NOW?
That may require the assistance of an anti-inertia bomb… and a full suit of hockey pads to fend off the rejection letters. Because they’ll come, you know. It’s a tough, tough gig.
But I started this journey three years ago without any true experience or understanding of what it would. I left security behind, took the risk and faced all the ups and downs that came with it. And I wouldn’t change that decision.
I just need to find the way to push myself to the next step down the path.
And a bit of inspiration from you.
So:
1. How did you come to choose what you’re doing with your life right now?
2. Have you ever had to motivate yourself to achieve a different kind of success in your work? How did you do it?
3. Do you live to work, or work to live? Why?
4. Do you believe passion is a major ingredient in the work you do?
5. What’s the best career advice you ever received?
And…
1. Do you read often? What do you read?
2. Do you read for pleasure or just information?
3. What engages you in writing?
4. What do you think are the essential elements in “good” writing?
If you choose to answer any of these questions, I’d appreciate it. I think learning from other people is essential, even if you do have to make your own call and kick your own ass in the end.
Thanks!
