I Write Books But I Will Not “Be” A Writer
When a group of writers get together, invariably one of us will say,
“Oh, I am working on a fiction project but I am not a novelist or something…”
What they mean is, that they are not a novelist just yet, or more precisely, they do not fit the version of a novelist in their mind, yet. As if writing can only be acknowledged when the book is birthed, not a minute before that?
Or more frequently, you hear the deceptively starry-eyed cousin of that statement, which I am guilty of too in my first few years of writing,
“All I want, is to be a Writer”.
To which I would ask, “ Do you want to be a Writer or do you want to write?”
Don’t be a “Writer”, do the writing instead.
The difference between a “writer” and a “Writer” is that the former refers to a person who dedicates themselves seriously to practicing the craft of the written word. The latter, on the other hand, is an identity that the ego deftly weaves and likes to latch on to.
Being a Writer is a romantic dream, an aspiration, not for the craft but for the identity of a “Writer” and the lifestyle you imagine that identity will bring. Having that dream as your starting point is fine. It is nice to be infatuated with your future self before taking the hard steps to become her. And yet, my own journey tells me this lifestyle aspiration will not lead you far. In fact, it could trap you in a lackadaisical sort of writing-for-a-hobby state for years.
What will keep you writing (and publishing)
What will fuel you as you go through the ups and downs of a true “writer’s” journey is the love of the craft itself.
Of excavating your deepest self and spilling her on paper.
Of staying honest, being tempted to paint her differently and then painfully, deliberately telling the truth.
Of going for days without writing and wondering if this was the right path, to begin with.
Of loving your stationery and pens and laptops and apps more than your perhaps-pricey living room decor.
Of pitching and hearing a “no”, gulping it down with water and pitching again, and again.
Of not knowing where to pitch your work.
Of getting rave reviews, and then nasty ones, and still working on your next project.
Of believing in your worth, no matter what.
Some of the best advice I received when I published the Buddha Balance Journal, came from a friend who is a successful author himself —
You have to keep believing in your work and in the unique value you bring. And pitch.
So, keep writing as that is what makes you a “writer.” Because here’s a secret, your becoming a “Writer” eventually, depends on it.
