Erin Kohlenberg Photography/Creative Commons
A few years ago at a writing conference, a young woman introduced herself. “Hi. I’m ‘Sally’. A writer wanna-be.” (I’m substituting a fictitious name today, but this was her introduction then.)
Sally was shy and lacked confidence. She even said the word “writer” with reluctance, as if uttering it in broad daylight was taboo. My heart immediately ached for her. I wanted to respond, “No, Sally. You’re not a ‘wanna-be’ anything. You ARE a writer.” Instead, I extended my hand and offered something like, “Hello, Sally. I’m Cindy. I write Christian fiction. Great to meet you.”
As I talked with Sally, I learned that she’d been writing for a long time. Years, in fact. I sensed her insecurity was due to a misconception about writers and our craft–the notion that one isn’t a “real” writer unless (a) one has an agent and/or (b) one is traditionally published.
Since meeting Sally, I’ve considered the “wanna-be” mentality, and here’s what I’d like to say to folks who are plagued by it: the moment you start viewing yourself as a writer, thinking as a writer, and acting as a writer, you ARE a writer!
No one will take you or your craft seriously until you trade the “wanna-be” mentality for the “I AM” mindset.
I speak from experience. When I started approaching my career professionally, others, too, began to see it as more than a hobby or pastime.
I adopted the “I AM a writer” mindset. I re-trained my thoughts. I developed new strategies. I refocused my efforts.
I aimed for new patterns and started doing things differently.
What I do now:
- When people ask, “What is it that you do?” I tell them. I say, “I’m a writer.”
- If the phone rings after 9:00 a.m., I tell the caller (yes, even family) “I’m working. I may have to talk later.” I wouldn’t be able to take personal calls during a job outside the home so I’ve set boundaries.
- I take scheduled breaks. I get up and stretch, grab a cup of coffee, or step back from the computer screen for a while throughout the day.
- If I’m asked to serve on a committee, host an event, or attend a party, I take time to think about it first. I have learned to diplomatically say “No, thank you” or “I’m sorry. I’ll have to pass.”
- I carry a notepad, business cards, and some small writing items with me at all times. These things are tools of the trade. They come in handy for those can’t-hurt-to-have and you-never-know moments.
We’re either writers or we’re not. No ifs, ands, or wanna-be’s about it!
******
Writers: How do you treat your career professionally? Any additional tips?
If you work from home, what’s your biggest challenge?
Tweetables
Writers, trade the “wanna-be” mentality for an “I AM” mindset. (Click to tweet)
We’re either writers or we’re not. No if’s, ands, or wanna-be’s about it. (Click to tweet)
Photo Credit: Erin Kohlenberg Photography/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
Great encouragement! I work from home. It’s hard to balance, I get asked to do things all the time. It’s hard to emphasis you are working, but its so important to draw lines of boundary.
Author
Ahhh, Lisa, you understand then why we must be good time-managers. I find the more intentional I am about drawing boundaries, the more I tend to accomplish. Of course, there’s always room to tweak my schedule, but I really try to be pretty structured about it. You go, girl!
This is awesome, Cindy. I actually remember my Mom saying to me multiple times when I’d make similar comments about being a wannabe, “Melissa, you ARE a writer.” 🙂
I think one of the best ways to treat a dream professionally is to start viewing it as a career right from the beginning. Having a budget, a schedule, etc. Yes, I have a day job that I very much appreciate, but even online, I identify as a writer and author rather than identifying myself by my day job.
I still remember changing my twitter intro from wanna be to writer. It was not without some trepidation, but I figured until I starred living it no one would believe it…including me! These are such god practical suggestions. Thanks for pouting them out there. Blessings.
When I decided to write, I boldly declared myself a writer from the start. There was no wanna-be, gonna-be, or aspiring about it. I figured that it I didn’t believe in myself strongly enough to take the plunge and waffled instead, I’d have a hard time convincing others my work was any good.
Author
Keli: Good for you! I think you’re the perfect gal to teach a class on this at our ACFW conference. That proactive mindset is so important at the beginning stages of our writing careers.
—————-
Tina: Great job on changing your Twitter bio! When we call ourselves what we are–“writers”–we really do start thinking differently. That bold declaration communicates professionalism, as well.
—————-
Melissa: Love your comment! Why is it that we think we need permission first before labeling/naming what we do? It’s kind of like slapping the label on a fine wine AFTER we sample it. When we know what it is beforehand, we have an idea of what to expect. By telling folks we’re writers at the outset, that causes them to believe it, too.
These affirmations are heard often at our writers group.
Author
Patti, that’s great! It’s wonderful to be connected with a supportive group that encourages and uplifts its members.