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This week: A Writer or a Wanna-Be? Edited by: Crys-not really here  
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Take a look at bio blocks and forum posts from new members on Writing.com. "I'm a wanna-be writer. . ." can be found in many of them. I get a little  when I see that sentence. You're a wanna-be writer? What does that mean?
If you write, you are a writer. I don't care what dictionary you look in that says writers "write for pay." The reality is, even many published writers have yet to get paid for their work. The act of writing, revising, reworking and pursuing your own ideas on paper, that's what makes you a writer. Success as a writer doesn't necessarily have to do with how much you get paid.
When I see people who are actively writing refer to themselves as "wanna-be writers," it worries me. To me, that's an indication that they aren't confident in themselves and their work. You ARE a writer. Stand up and say it proudly. Breaking past the "I don't know if I can really write. I mean, I try but I'm not so good at it" stage is half the battle. If you have confidence in your work, it really shows on the page.
Writing can sometimes be a thankless task. It's true that people may not notice your work for months, or even years. It's true that you probably won't get your short story published on the first try. That's all a part of the life of someone who wants to become a published writer. But the actual process of writing is the first step. Own that first step. All you need to do is write. There's no such thing as almost being a writer. Either you write, or you don't. |
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Thanks to everyone who wrote in about my August newsletter on setting access restrictions! I'm glad to hear that so many of you were helped by it.
Access restrictions can be a terrible disappointment, because they work whether we understand them or not. We can unknowningly lock out those who would most benefit or participate in our writing. I once locked 1,500 students out of their own course--here! You really need to understand not only how to do them, but what you are doing when you do. It is part of a very great system we have here, but it can sure wreck your day when you do it incorrectly! Also note that restrictions work differently in groups, forums, etc. so you have to know how the differences affect your intentions! Great Newsletter, and I think its a timely topic as we converge on a completely new system here at WDC. -Budroe 
Great points! Although my newsletter focused on how to protect items that may potentially be published someday, it's important to know how group-only forums, etc. work with access restrictions. Remember, we learn by trying and by failing. 
Oh! What a novel insight into the access restrictions. I always wondered why anyone would set up a restriction when they are here for people to read it. I set restrictions when I am designing my auction or raffle pages to "for my eyes only" but now I am going to do more than that. Thank you,Crys. -Christina~Thanks StoryMaster
I've restricted all my writing to site only, because I never know when it might be something worth pursuing for publication. I have half my work restricted by pass key in my port, because a group helping me get published has asked for that. (We review each other because we're on the same page for our intent to publish.) I'm upgraded to do that through help from a good friend.
Despite that, I will always be offended that someone isn't considered "serious" as a writer or reviewer, simply because the membership level isn't upgraded. I'd love one more choice for access restriction - one to avoid reviewing anyone, who believes seriousness is directly linked to membership level/finances/length of time on this site. That hurts, and worse yet, has no baring on dedication to the craft. -atwhatcost
Sometimes there are serious writers who are not among the higher class registrators. -Zeke
So true. I don't advocate anyone discriminating against registered user or registered authors. I simply point out that anyone can tailor their access restrictions to their own comfort.
I enjoyed your article about various ways to access items in a portfolio. In my case, I usually keep anything I've just put in my portfolio as Make Public, Allow Everyone.
This is so people outside WDC can read what I've written. I include a link to the new story in emails and wherever I post, such as on Facebook. By doing this, I invite people who are not already WDC members to come to this site. Quite a few have joined once they knew about Writing.com.
I think of doing it this way as my fingers having a big mouth and wanting to tell everyone about WDC. -J. A. Buxton
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For Authors: October 20, 2010 Issue [#4027]
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