I feel like it's been forever since I've chatted with you. Back in the days when I had no worries - writerly speaking - other than writing posts and blogging, I can remember being so excited to scan everyone's blog posts to converse.
I miss that. And I'm sorry I haven't been around much. Like most of you, the world's current situation has jumbled up a lot. But it's also been an important time of self-reflection, life pondering, and a deepening in my faith in God. All this is necessary, and we so often allow ourselves to get distracted by the business of our lives that we neglect what is truly worthy of our time and attention.
This all plays into today's IWSG monthly question:
When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
The term working writer is an evolution of each writer in their own right; at least, that is what I've come to believe from my own author experience. Whether you're self-published or traditionally published, with a large or small publisher, agented or going it alone, each time you sit to write you are a working writer. The results may be fast or slow, easy or hard, but those writing times will always come with interruptions - even for those without an outside job or other major responsibilities. Some interruptions could be considered a writing break, while others end up being hours or even days because of life duties beyond (and above - like family) writing.
None of that makes you less of a working writer. WE need to think of our writing journeys like our life journeys - WE are a continual work in progress in both.
Many blessings to you all and happy writing, you working writer you! :)
Thank you to this month's IWSG co-hosts:
Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!
Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!
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I agree that being published doesn't define whether you're a working writer. And it's a journey, especially in these challenging times. I've been doing a lot of self-reflection too.
ReplyDeleteLife journey - I like that.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly need to hang on to our faith in God right now.
I like your definition!!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely a work-in-progress - have my doubts that will never change!! :)
Love the insight. Thanks for that. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
A working writer is one who writes - simple.
ReplyDeleteSo very encouraging! We all have our own pace. It's nice seeing you back! :)
ReplyDeleteI've read so many interesting perspectives on what is a working writer. I figure if you're working at writing, really working, then you must be a working writer. To me, it doesn't matter if you're getting paid or acknowledged. It's your intent. Best wished to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelley - it so challenging at the moment and I admire all with families, jobs and households to hold together - yet dealing with the mire we've found ourselves in. I sincerely hope 2021 will be easier for us all ... take care and all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteSome of the challenge in being a working writer is how people will interrupt you. They'd never presume to call you at your day job for the same reasons. It's because they don't take the "working" part of working writer seriously.
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