Image Credit: ShellyS/PhotopinCC
Something I’ve learned over the years (and you probably have, too) is there are talkers and there are doers.
It applies to every facet of life, but let’s think about it in the context of writing today.
With the variety, ease, and rapid fire of social media we’re constantly bombarded by word counts and statuses. What looks good in public.
Since I’ve never been one to keep up appearances and because I realize some of this is hype, I applaud updates that seem genuine while others I take with a grain of salt.
Writers who are serious about their craft post with discretion. They don’t feel the need or urge to match Dynamic Dan word for word. That’s why I rarely announce the number of words I write in a day unless it’s to say something like this:
Woo-hoo! Made my word count!
or
Time for a cuppa! Time to write!
or
Chocolate to eat. Words to write. Heroines to rescue.
(And if I post on Twitter or Facebook, I might use the hashtag #amwriting. That allows me to connect with like-minded doers AND communicates I’m doing my thing at that moment.)
There’s no reason for me to proclaim some massive—or not so massive—daily word count. (And a side note here—for those folks who burn up social media 24-7 with frequent updates, I often wonder how. How are you writing when you’re here???)
Let me just say, for those taking part in NaNoWriMo, you have my deepest respect. Accountability and word counts are relevant because tracking progress is necessary. To reach 50,000 words (a short novel) in a month is no easy feat. Naturally, I’d expect to see updates balloon during November.
It’s those other times. The times we may send the wrong message to newer writers who believe they must look like a writer to be accepted as a writer.
Of course, that begs other questions.
When am I really a writer?
Is it when I look the part?
Act the part?
Make people believe I am the part—a writer?
Good questions. I’d like to know your thoughts.
Here’s my take.
How to (really) be a writer:
- Plant your behind in the chair.
- Accept you may fail from time to time.
- Realize it’s hard.
- Do the hard work. Write.
- Believe in your craft.
- Commit to learning.
- Be humble.
- Resist the urge to show off.
- Establish daily word counts. (Share with discretion.)
- Practice professionalism.
- Nix the façade.
- Be who you are. A writer.
But don’t just look like one.
At the end of the day, own who you are.
You’ll know you’re a writer when you stake your claim. And then get serious about it.
***
Additional thoughts you may like:
Dabblers Write. Writers Persevere.
Waiting, Writing, and Why You Must Not Quit
Don’t Compare Your Productive Season to Someone Else’s
***
When did you know you were a writer?
What’s the easiest/hardest thing about writing?
Here’s to productivity!
Blessings Always,
Comments 9
In the past few years I’ve written five full-length novels (one published, on I’m getting ready to SP, rest in the queue), and two self-help books (one getting ready to SP, one in final edits). I also maintain two blogs and comment on others. I still don’t feel like a writer.
Maybe it’s that I’m uncomfortable with a role to which I’d be uncomfortable to be held, but there’s something in me that says, don’t claim that territory. Just write, and leave the classifications to others.
Weird.
Author
Andrew, face it. You’re a writer. (And sounds like a busy one!)
I think when we own it we see our craft differently. And whether we’re on the journey, agented, or published is a separate issue. We have to realize who/what we are first.
Own it, my friend.
Thanks Cindy!
Yeah, guess I gotta own it. It is what I do.
Hi Cynthia!
If I post my word count, it’s only because I was in a rut and FINALLY got out of it. 🙂 You’re right–the best way to be a writer is to write. Simple.
Author
Courtney, I agree. And when writers post word counts for accountability or because they’ve mastered a goal, I think that’s fine. It’s those frequent status reports about writing that make me wonder if they really are.
Math has never been my favorite subject, so maybe that explains my strange habit of NOT setting a word count. Or maybe the pressure of writing a certain numbered amount of words each day seems too much. Either way, I write. I read about writing. And I like to encourage others who share this crazy obsession. I love your list of how to be a writer, especially #1. “Plant your behind in the chair.” 🙂
Author
Julia, I forgot to add “Must eat chocolate.” Thanks so much for being a huge encourager!
Cindy, I appreciate this. I’ve been seeing much of this. I have mixed feelings about it … like you, I feel it can encourage and discourage. And who are we glorifying? Whose name are we putting out there?
We should be careful what we write, as well, because all our non-writer friends will think we’ve gone over the deep end. They don’t always understand the writer lingo … and I think we forget that sometimes.
Thank you for this reminder … I’ve been pondering it …
Author
Shelli, you’re welcome.
While marketing our work goes with the territory, of course, I don’t think folks want to feel like they are being “marketed” to. Yes, we’re writers, but constantly tweeting about the process can lead to over-saturation and make newer writers feel like they somehow are not measuring up. There needs to be a happy medium, I believe.