Once my homeschooled daughter reached her Senior year and a screen reader was installed on my computer, I chose to pursue my writing dreams. Joining Christian Writer’s Fellowship filled me with excitement until learning most of them were published authors. Intimidation then held me hostage until their friendliness and genuineness relaxed me.
No matter what writing attempts I made, I couldn’t eradicate the thought, “I’m not a writer.” Here’s why:
I’ve never published anything…
I can’t read books to teach me how to write better…
I’m not creative or descriptive…
The only grammar I know is from teaching my daughter…
I don’t know what words like audience, brand, and query letters mean…
I can’t do social media; I don’t even know what it includes…
I can’t join an editing group cause I don’t have a ride, nor an online group since I don’t even know how to attach a file…
I don’t have a business card, a book I’m working on, or a blog…
I don’t have the means to find markets to get published…
I can’t take notes, read notes, research, nor do I have a quiet place to sit to write to be inspired…
“I’m not a writer…I’m a want-to-be,” I concluded.
But wait…
A writer, in simple terms, is one who writes. While doing so as an occupation is part of one definition, it’s not the only one. The act of writing one’s thoughts and ideas on paper is true also. A writer’s job is to bring forth a message through engaging words.
A light bulb finally came on, gradually brightening as I realized every writer was on a journey of some sort. There wasn’t a right or wrong. Instead, each writer traveled paths where different doors opened and closed; each had different mentors and guides; each had different experiences and callings. All were willing to share their journeys as tips for others. They didn’t even refer to the new writers as “future authors” and themselves as “authors.” Instead, everyone was a writer, even if you were a bad one. LOL.
You see, in the beginning, I believed a writer had to be someone who had been published, when in reality, a writer can write for a long while before their hard work gets recognized. This doesn’t mean they’re not a writer until that contract or publication. They are a writer because words are birthed in and through them. They have a message or story burning to come out.
If you write grants, newspaper articles, short stories, devotions, or even a church newsletter, play, or lessons, You’re a writer. You have words to share with an audience that God has asked you to speak to. Even a blogger is a writer. Too many times writers believe they’re not a writer by focusing on the fact they’re not published or aren’t writing a book, instead of focusing on what is in their heart to share.
What has held you back from being a writer?
© 2015 – 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
I enjoy “writing”. I also enjoy making up stories on the fly to tell to our 2 year-old son. I do have a habit of going into too much detail at times depending on the subject which may, at times, lose some of an adult audience. But, I like to put what I consider my personal touch into the story, so to speak. You know? Paint the WHOLE picture so the receiver knows what my actual experience entailed. When it comes to grammar & punctuation….well, this is an area where I tend to struggle. Luckily “The Google” is a quick, helpful resource, lol.
Thanks for sharing. Telling stories, or writing them for kids is always FUN! Maybe yours will become a childrens book someday, whether for sale or for your son to have a momento.