Every time I go to the doctors office or sign one of my kids up for an activity I always pause at the space for occupation. I stare at the blank and try to think of what nifty little title I could give myself.
Here are a few I like to play with:
-Servant of God
-Teacher to Three
-Wife and Mother, not to mention Daughter, Sister, and Friend.
-Slayer of under the bed monsters and all things that go bump in the night
-Bedtime story reader
-Arts and Crafts Director
-Referee
-Secretary
-Social Coordinator
-Keeper of all things important
-Housekeeper ( I use this term lightly)
-Chef
And on and on I go. Never, ever, has it even crossed my mind to say writer.
Why?
Maybe because I don't get paid to write. But looking at this list I don't get paid for any of those things either. Not monetarily anyway.
Which leads me to the question of what makes someone a writer? The words that come to mind are these:
-Dedication
-Perseverance
-Commitment
-Passion
-Drive
-Imagination
-Humility
Hmm, no mention of money there. No mention of published either. So maybe making money and getting published are the accolades of writing. Maybe just the act of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard makes us writers.
Now I have one more title to add to my list of occupations.
What are some things you think makes a person a writer?
13 comments:
I think you pretty much nailed it. A writer writes. :-)
I like your list. I like both lists, actually. :)
I had someone FUSS at me one time because I did not call myself a writer. I put up the same arguments you did, that I did not get paid, but she said that I will not ever be a writer until I learn to call myself a writer. Next time just put writer in that blank and see what happens!
God has blessed me with so many identities and gifts. I consider writing one of them, the same way I would call myself an actor if he'd gifted me with acting or photographer if he'd gifted me behind the lens.
I struggle with this too. Dare I add a tiny bit neurotic to the list? At least in my case!
Jill, yes neurotic is fitting for me at least!
Jody, you are right we are given gifts and we should use them and be proud of them.
Pat, I know. I do like the sound of being a writer:)
Thanks Janna and Jessica:)
kara, i think a writer is anyone who feels a desire to put into words what is in their heart.
i forgot, i wanted to share one of my children's original words: misusealage. feel free to use it in the place of miscellaneous!
Elizabeth I love the word, very creative. And I like your description of a writer, so true!
Kara, this is fantastic. For the longest time, it's been a secret desire of mine to be a "real" writer. And now reading this, I realize that it doesn't take a certain set of criteria to make me a writer. I just am. :)
You family is beautiful - I've really enjoyed browsing through and reading a few of your older posts.
I wish I remembered when I made this decision: That I AM a writer! Yes! Welcome to the family.
Amen to Jessica. A writer writes. And you have quite a readership. Before I thought of myself as a writer people called me a writer b/c they read my church bulletin. Did that qualify me to be called a writer? To some people. You write a blog? Yes (and a good one). So you are a writer.
Kara, I mentioned the blog award and plugged your blog on Family Fountain. wb
I came here from Warren Baldwin's blog. What makes a person a writer? Someone who has the courage to put words from their heart on paper or in a blog.
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