Becoming the writer I want to be
Posted on February 29, 2008 in This Writing Life by DM
Remember my post from the other day about the Writer’s Market reference book? And then the one about wanting to visit my childhood house because I might be unhappy with the present?
Well, further reflection on those recent bits of self-reflection have led me to a pretty important realization: I am a writer, but I’m not yet the writer I want to be.
The writer I want to be looks back on a writing career - not on a marketing, or a public relations, or a business communications career.
The writer I want to be holds a volume in her hands (fiction? non-fiction? it matters not) with the word “By” just above her name.
The writer I want to be feels like a writer - not like a cubicle dweller.
Remember my other post - the one about all the businesses I’d thought about starting? I think those may have been roadblocks. Roadblocks I was throwing into my own path, because I was afraid that the true path might lead to failure, or toil without gain, or something else undefined but awful.
All of this means that I’m hereby vowing to become that writer. I’m going to stop thinking about being a t-shirt printer or a junk-shop owner, and start thinking about how to become the writer I want to be. Because that’s what’s in my soul. It’s who I’ve always been. And I think it’s time to get out of my own way.
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6 comments to “Becoming the writer I want to be”
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My step dad always said to “keep your toolbox full.” He said that it would make me more marketable in life… And, as I’ve grown, both as a personally and professionally, I’ve tried my best to keep adding tools to my toolbox. But recently, my toolbox seems to be a hodge-podge of incongruence – no one tool that specifically relates to the other.
So, what happens when your “toolbox” gets so full you lose track of the journey? The easy answer is “focus on what makes you happy.” As long as you can find passion in the job at hand (writing, PR, marketing, etc.), your journey hasn’t been for not.
Your passion and drive (sounds) impressive. Applied to your “dream,” I’m sure you’ll find success.
Keep Cooking!
Andrew
Andrew B. Clark’s last blog post..TRUE Brands – Part 3, How Do You Scare a Brand with a Cold? Unique Up On It!
Andrew - that’s exactly where I am now! Lost track of the journey, getting back to what makes me happy! Of course, I do understand that “making a living” has to fit in there somewhere… maybe that’s not going to happen through my “writer at her desk” vision… but maybe it will. Thank you for the encouragement and for reading! ~ Janet
Wow…great post! I know where you’re coming from.
Thanks, DMG!
Well Janet, you ARE a writer. It’s the “want to be” part that’s missing. Once you can focus on that, you’re on your way. Seems to me you’re on the brink of a major breakthrough in that department. Good for you!
Larry Lehmer’s last blog post..Ooh, baby…you smell so good!
Larry, thanks for the encouragement, it’s much appreciated! ~ Janet