“Call Yourself A Writer”
August 27, 2009 by cateoliver
I just read Ali Hale’s tips for writers that were included in today’s WriterHouse newsletter. The one that seemed to elicit the most responses was, “Call yourself a writer.” It’s tough. Why is it that so many of us do not feel worthy of the title unless our writing pays the mortgage?
I am reminded of the story of a young child, hard at work behind the easel at his preschool. His teacher, viewing the tempura paint masterpiece in progress, exclaimed, “Why, Johnny, you are going to be an artist when you grow up!” You can guess his indignant retort: “I already am an artist.” Indeed.
And so are you a writer if you make a regular habit of putting words on a page. Let this become your mantra: “I am a writer.” Believe it. Look in the mirror and say these words to yourself:
I AM A W R I T E R.
Then tell your dog. Tell your neighbor, your aunt, your friend, your coworker, every stranger you meet. . .” Soon, it should slip easily off your tongue without the urge to use any qualifiers.
Ready? Keep chanting as you grab your notebook of daily scribbles. Targets set, join your writing group for coffee, remembering that being a writer is a criteria for being in a writing group.