I've been writing since I was in grade school, but had always been embarrassed to admit that I wrote and would never dare to call myself a writer. I had notebooks full of stories stuffed away in drawers that never saw the light of day.
Years later, after my boys started school and I started writing and submitting stories, I wouldn't tell my relatives for fear that they'd discourage or--even worse--laugh at me.
After I had a few short pieces published, I told my close relatives and proudly showed off my work. Then I finally had my first novel published. I think my family thought that was my big break, but the book didn't turn out to be a bestseller and I'm still trying to get my first romance novel published, but so far, no takers.
But, I'm no longer ashamed or afraid to tell people that I write. I even told my dentist that I write romance novels. He was actually impressed. In fact, most of the people I've told have reacted that way.
I realized that even though I only make a minimum amount of money off my writing, the fact that I spend at least eight solid hours a week--often more--in writing related projects, makes me a writer.
And that's something to be proud of.
2 comments:
It's funny that you say that. I've told family and friends, but no one else. Some of my friends don't even know I write, and none of my colleagues know.
Even those who know I'm trying to get published haven't read anything of mine. Except for my best friend who reads everything I do.
Since I've had my first book published, I've run the gamut from relatives who raved about my book and are waiting for the next one, to those, including my husband and three sons, who didn't read my book and probably won't read the next one either.
They are proud of me though. I guess that says something.
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