I am participating in the ‘Writing Contest: You Are A Writer’ held by Positive Writer. Here is my entry:
When I Knew I Was a Writer
I used to distinguish between the words “writer” and “author.” You see, I’ve been a professional writer since before I graduated college, and a writer since I knew how to write. Authors were a different breed—they were published fiction writers.
When I was little, I used to draw pictures and write stories or reports to go with them. When I was in second grade, we had spelling pre-tests on Mondays (before we were introduced to the words for the week). Students who got 100% on the pre-tests were asked to write stories on Fridays when the rest of the class took their official test. I usually aced the pre-tests, and on Fridays I would create fascinating characters in magical worlds. Sometimes I continued those stories at home, just so I could complete what I’d started in class. In junior high and high school, I’d write poetry in my free time. If I’d had a computer back then, I probably would have written more. You can only do so much with writer’s cramps in your hands.
I wasn’t an author, though. I was a hobbiest.
When I went to college, I considered writing as a major. Many discouraged that choice (never my parents, though). People said all I could do with a writing degree was teach or write books, and few people ever get their books published. So I majored in business, which I hated, and then architecture, which I didn’t care for either. Running out of time and options, I defaulted to English. Even after changing my major so many times, I was able to not only catch up, but double major, write for the faculty newspaper, and create software documentation for an on-campus software developer. All that, and I graduated on time. I got my degree in Professional Writing and Creative Writing, and did so well the university offered me a scholarship to continue my studies. I jumped at the chance and began writing for more on-campus departments. I took an internship with the H&SS College’s Public Relations Department and managed to get my master’s degree one semester early. After graduation, I started working for local companies. I started as a copywriter for a local travel agency, then I worked in the development department for a nursing home, which I left for a corporate communications job at an engineering firm. After the birth of my first child, I left that department and transferred to the technical writing side of the company.
I’d been writing since I was young. I had been a writer since college. But I wouldn’t even consider calling myself an author.
After my second child was born, I quit working to be a stay-at-home mom. I loved it, but I missed writing. My parents suggested I write a book, but I was busy with my children. Instead, I took some freelance writing jobs. When the kids got older, I even starting teaching three writing classes at a local college.
I had gone from writing to teaching. I began to doubt that I was even a writer any longer.
But then we moved, and I was without a job. The kids were in school, and I had nothing to do. I decided to try my hand at fiction. It had always been a passion of mine; I might as well explore it.
I read books, I joined critique groups, I went to conferences and workshops.
And I wrote. And wrote. And wrote.
I had short stories published in a little over a year.
Three years into the process, I have a published novel, an agent, and a job as an editor.
I am a “writer” and an “author.”
And what did I learn from that odyssey?
I’d been a writer and an author ever since I put words to my pictures as a young girl.
In fact, I don’t even distinguish between the terms any longer.
I may have resisted calling myself a writer for a long time, but it seems I was born one.
And I’ll be a writer until I die.
15 Responses
[…] When I Knew I Was a Writer […]
Great reading your entry Staci and finding out what your journey was. Love that you used to write and do your own illustrating as a child.
Thanks, Anne. It is kind of cool that I’ve been writing forever, but I can honestly say my early efforts were nothing to brag about. My mom saved some of them, and I blush every time I look at them!
I always wondered when I’d become an author. Now I know. Enjoyed following you through your career changes. Feel I know you better now.
I’m pretty much an open book, but I’m glad to know dragging out my history has helped people get to know me better. Thanks, Velda.
Staci – how did the publication of your novel escape me? I just downloaded it. Now when are you going to guest post on my Author Wednesday series? Congratulations to you.
I’m not sure how you missed it… It seems that’s all I’ve been talking about! Thanks for picking it up; I hope you like it. And I’ll be happy to guest post! Let me know when and what you want… you’ve got my email address.
I’ve been a little distracted lately and then I made the huge mistake of changing Internet providers. Never again. I’m still not getting my blogs sent to my new email. I just happened upon your latest post at WordPress. I’ll email you.
Technology is a huge help when it works… and a huge nightmare when it doesn’t. Sorry the transition to your new ISP has been difficult. And I’ll look for your email. 🙂
Indeed you are a “writer” and an “author” and so much more. You’re resume is intimidating. 😉
Thanks, Janna. You’re sweet. Writer/author… I’ll take it!
You know, I might consider myself many things (writer included), but intimidating isn’t one of them!
You always have great stories to tell; you should enter the contest, too. I know people would love to hear your story.
I’m sort of in reading mode right now. 😉
Not a bad mode to be in!
Staci, I always knew that you were a writer. You were always creating new worlds or interesting chracters. I never pictured myself as a writer. I was always good at math and science, but never really thought about writing as an option. I did wiite and edit for our high school news paper but went on to get a business management degree. While working at a local news paper, I was asked to fill the role of the book reviewer when ours left suddenly. It was a rough start, but with help from my wonderful sister, I grew in my writing capabilities and became a published poet and short story author. Not bad for a girl with a business degree. Now i am lucky to have a job that embraces my writing passion and love of numbers. Best of both worlds. As I have grown in my writing, I now consider myself as a writer. I take time each day to work on something, no matter how trivial or small. And as my sister and friends have helped me in my writing journey, I now mentor several inspiring writers as well. Thanks to the support of a loving family and great friends, I can call myself a writer and I look forward to completing my first book. I believe it is time to move up from short stories and poetry.
Best of both worlds… can’t get better than that! Keep moving forward, challenging yourself. That book will be done before you know it!