When Can You Call Yourself a Writer?

I was sitting in my office today, doing a little bit of surfing when I should’ve been working (shame on me). As I surfed, a question popped into my head:

“When can a writer call himself a writer? What distinction is there between a hopeful hack, and a real writer?” 

Hmmm.  I really couldn’t answer it. I mean, Stephen King is a writer, right? If I write, can I attach the same title to myself as he does?  I had a hard time believing that I could (it just felt sacrilegious).

If I were to bandage myself after a cut, lance something, splint my finger, would that make me a doctor? Can’t say that it would. Nor would doodler be called a graphic artist, or a person making a grilled cheese sandwich, a chef.

So, why would a writer be a writer, regardless of their experience, works of art, fame, and publishing history? Some might say that it is related to your accomplishments (i.e., have you had anything published by a publishing house?) While others would say that the simple act of ink slinging would allow you to brandish the overused title of “Writer”.

Listen to what Debra Koontz Traverso has to say:

"The truth: You don't need a degree, a rite of passage or a dramatic moment to occur before you can call yourself a 'writer.' I used to think that my writing wasn't real until it got published. What that means is that I gave someone else the power to decide when I was a bonafide writer, when in actuality I have always been a writer. After being published, I felt no more like a 'real' writer than I had before. Sure, I felt validated and successful, but I didn't see myself as more of a writer than before I was published."

Notice the part: “…I felt no more like a ‘real’ writer than I had before. Sure, I felt validated and successful, but I didn’t see myself as more of a writer…”

I had a little trouble really believing that. Is it possible that she may think this, but not really feel it, especially after being “validated” as a writer? Well, it’s not my position to say so, as I do not know her.

It’s just a thought that had me really thinking today. It’s a question that I’m sure plenty ask themselves, especially in a world so dependent on titles.  I tried to “tentatively” call myself a "real" writer after posing that question, but it felt a little sheepish to me. Maybe “Jr. Writer” or “He Who Manages To Put Words Together” would suffice for the time being.

How about you? When someone asks you what you do, do you say: “I’m a writer”?

What do you feel really earns someone a title of “Writer”?

Comments

[Anders]

You're a writer if you write regularly.

[1ConfusedWriter]

Mike,

Thanks for your comments. I know, the chef example wasn't ideal. It just came to me as I typed it.

Good explanation on writing as an art form. I suppose this could be a good point for determining what a writer really is. I'll have to do a little more pondering on it. Oh, and I never realized, until now, that your site's name makes an interesting acronym. ;)

Jeff and Ozprey,

Thanks for your comments as well. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way, in regards to making money as the stepping stone to accquiring the title.

Take care,

Vic

[Jeff]

For years I felt incomplete as a writer because I hadn't been published. Then one day I was. But was my focus more on getting published or on writing. I realize that a writer has to have some measure of writing skill to be published, but, like you state, whether a person is published shouldn't determine whether he or she is a writer. My blog isn't published in the real sense of the word, yet other than cards and notes to loved ones, it's the one form of writing I really love.

[ozprey]

I used to think that it meant you got paid for writing...and was not necessarily an indicator of the mastery of the craft...or the intelligence of ones readers
:]

[mike]

Vic,

I have struggled with the same question often. Especially recently, after launching my blog, a more important question "Why do I feel what I have to say about the craft of writing is valid, and do I have any right to publish my opinions in hopes of inspiring and advising?"

To be honest, I was dubbed "writer" by those around me. I'm a terribly humble person. I still struggle with it and say "Aw, I write...but I'm not a writer," even when it's people who are published daily that dub me thus.

I personally feel anyone who takes the craft beyond a personal recreational pursuit..someone who cares about and takes responsibility for their work..is a writer. Another level up would be someone who overcomes their fears and shares their work with an audience..whether paid or not..accepted or not. It comes at that point where one says "Ok, I enjoy writing..now what can I do to make it useful to someone other then myself."

The act of recieveing payment for writing, or of being published, or of given the opportunity to read to an audience...all things I have enjoyed, merely ad a social validity.

Being a chef myself, it's interesting you use this example, because there is a clear definition. A Chef has experience and has been paced in charge of a kitchen and a menu. He is ultimately in charge of the food that comes out of a kitchen. That would reduce the title of writer to only those that release the writing..publishers, chief editors, etc.

One is an artist the moment they decide to create art in their own vision. Writing, while argued by many, is an art.

You're a writer, Vic. I only hope I am the same.