This week I will be sharing some snippets of a talk I gave at the She Speaks Conference two weeks ago, as well as some thoughts inspired by the topic in general. The title of the talk was From Blog to Book: How I Got Published Without Being Famous. I welcome your comments, questions, and insight as we discuss blog writing, book writing, and publishing this week.
I showed up at my first writing conference alone and a wreck. I knew I had just paid a lot of money to attend a conference that I was about to walk out of, because I felt so terribly out-of-place. I had never had one thing published in my life, I didn’t even know the first thing about writing a magazine article, I didn’t know what a book proposal was, and I thought only actors and athletes needed agents. It was She Speaks the summer of 2008 and the conference was for writers, speakers, and women’s ministry leaders. As I approached the registration desk, the kind woman sitting there asked me, “Are you a writer or a speaker?” I paused, looked around a little, and finally leaned in close and whispered Writer. I can’t even begin to tell you how ridiculous I felt.
I grabbed my registration folder and thought for sure the She Speaks police would come find me, point, laugh, and kick me out as in imposter. I literally had to sit down to gather my breath and let my face return to its normal shade. Because I had the same question that I believe many of you have: Am I allowed to call myself a writer?
What does it take to assume that title? Must you have a writing degree? Does it take a published article or a book before you can call yourself that? What about a blog or a newsletter? What about if you enjoy writing in a private journal? Can you call yourself a writer even then?
Let me ask you this – what does it take to call yourself a runner? Do you have to win an Olympic medal before you can assume that title? Or at least qualify for the Olympics? What if you are on the track team in school? Or maybe a running club? What about if you just run on the treadmill or in your neighborhood, are you a runner then?
Some people say you can only call yourself a runner if you run a certain number of miles a year. Others say if you run on purpose for a reason other than because you are late, then you’re a runner. How about this. In order to call yourself a runner, you have to run. I don’t know how much and I don’t care where, but if you value that title of “runner” then you will probably not throw it around carelessly. And if you’re afraid to call yourself a runner even though you run, then you probably are one.
Is it the same way with writing? Why is it so hard for us to embrace this writer identity? Why did my face turn red when I said it for the first time? Why did I feel like a girl playing in her mom’s high heels? I have a few ideas why:
You have great respect for the title. You have likely grown up a reader, and so to you, C.S. Lewis is a writer. Madeleine L’Engle is a writer. J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen and Harper Lee are writers. And so to call yourself a writer feels like you are clumping yourself with the greats, and you wouldn’t want anyone to think you think you’re like them. Because you know you aren’t. You love the title so much that it nearly feels like calling yourself beautiful or humble or talented – it’s uncomfortable, and it seems more legitimate if someone else bestows that title upon you rather than you, yourself.
You worry what it might mean. If you’re a writer, then does that raise the expectation for your work? Does that mean you should pursue publication? What if you never get published in the traditional way? Does that mean you are a failure because writers are supposed to publish things?
It’s hard to define. We like to put boxes around things so we can point to them and categorize them and understand them. It’s why personality tests are so interesting, because we like to learn about ourselves. We like to label our quirks, understand our weaknesses and showcase our strengths. Where is the test I can take to find out if I’m a writer or not?
There isn’t one. Because if I asked you if I’m a writer, you would probably say yes. If I asked a someone who has a Ph.D in comparative literature from Yale, they would most likely say no. It depends on who you ask. So either ask the right person, or stop asking altogether. The fact is, there isn’t just one kind of writer any more than there is just one kind of mother or teacher or artist. Not all writers write for money. Not all writers write books. Not all writers have an audience. Not all writers write blogs. Not all bloggers care to call themselves writers. Not all author’s of books do, either. There are less rules than you think.
For me, it was important to be able to see this part of myself and embrace it before I could move forward with any amount of confidence. Do you love to write? Have you always loved to write? Do you write even when no one is looking? Do you respect the title of writer? Why not just own it? If that feels too presumptuous, try it on for a week. Take yourself seriously. Approach your work as an artist. See if it makes a difference.
And while you do, bear in mind that you are more than the sum of your words. As we continue to talk about some of these things this week, it’s important to remember that you have a Maker who defines you in terms bigger and wider than writer or author or wordsmith. Ask him who you are first. You’ll be delighted with the answer.
Coming up tomorrow: What should I write about?
It seems so easy to say mother or wife or teacher but writer, I can’t ever say it w/ a straight face (or without feeling like I have a mouthful of marbles). Maybe it will come with more time or more confidence … but you’re right, I think it begins w/ taking the title seriously.
I love this, and I love that you’re sharing your talk from She Speaks with us because I so wish I could have gone, but it just wasn’t feasible for us this year. Thank you for being so encouraging, and I look forward to reading tomorrow’s post!
Oh my goodness, this post was wonderful. By far, one of my favorites! Thank you so much. I loved the part where you leaned in and said you were a “writer” in a whisper! Priceless! There are so many of us that can relate and we just thank you for putitng yourself out there! You are such an inspiration! Thanks, Emily!
xoxo, cat
I know you are a writer because you inspire me. Your words start me thinking. I don’t remember how I found you but I’m glad I did. I’ve added you to my list in Google Reader that way I won’t miss any of your posts. Thanks for sharing and can’t wait for your next post.
I’m pondering now on the question – what makes someone a writer or in my case a quilter.
By the way, don’t generalize not all PhD’s are writers even though they write. I should know as I have a PhD myself
Thank you Helen! I’m so glad you’ll be reading. And my point with the PhD wasn’t that he/she was a writer, just that they may not call me one. It all depends on who you ask.
My husband heard me laughing out loud and came over to read your blog with me. Oh, for crying out loud, I blushed the first time I called myself a writer as well. I thought, ” I really don’t have a degree in writing, so can I really say that?”
My first book in coming out in a couple of weeks, and I still feel a little awkward calling myself an Author/Writer. I guess it’s like the first couple of times I heard someone call me, “Mrs. Bailey.” Being called a writer, just doesn’t sound like me at first.
Love your blog. Hope to see you in July. I’m planning to be at the She Speaks Conference.
Thanks Diane! Maybe our books will be friends – my first one comes out in a few weeks too. Still don’t call myself an author. I rather like writer better. And I thought of that too, about when we first got married Mrs. Freeman sounded so strange!
The She Speaks police–beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing this. I think many of us will log on our computers this morning, read your words, and be surprised that you wrestled through the same thoughts that are banging around in our heads. Glad you persevered. Thank you for your encouragement to do likewise.
Thank you so much for writing this. I’ve been struggling with this very subject. I can safely call myself a pharmacist because I have the diploma and state-generated license to prove it, but regardless of how I wear it, that title doesn’t fit and I keep trying to shrug it off. When I think of returning to my first love, writing, it’s hard to accept that I can do that without an official acknowledgment that I’m qualified. Thanks for the reminder that we don’t always need the approval of a governing body to be what we already are! This blessed me!
While I’m a girl who’s struggled to call herself a writer, I found myself struck most by your statement that I am “more than the sum of my words.” That’s something I forget so, so often – especially as one who uses words for a living. Thank you for such a timely reminder of who I am.
Love it. You’ve just articulated so many of my thoughts over the past few months. I am SO THANKFUL the She Speaks police didn’t find me and kick me out this year!
I am learning the conference was a part of the journey to learn more about this craft I love to do. After getting back from the conference, I was talking to a lady at church and she asked me what I had been up to. I told her I went to a writer’s conference. She said. “Oh, you write.” And for the first time ever, I claimed it! I said, “Yes, I am writer.” It was big step. Thanks for your post and continuing share the things you have learned!
Thank you so much for this encouragement. I love your point about the respect we hold for the title of writer. I’ve been hanging around waiting for someone to give me the permission to call myself one, as it feels almost sacrilegious to do it myself! I am so excited to read your posts on this topic:)
Awesome! How many more days until that book comes out? Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing your blog! God bless you!!!
24 days. Ish.
Thank you!!!!!!!!
These encouraging words touched my heart so deeply.
Happy Day
Colleen G.
I’ve never thought about this before; I’m a knitter, a quilter, a crafter, a reader and a blogger – but I don’t think I would say I am a writer. I can’t say why not – I’d have to think about it!
I know several bloggers who write regularly and write well – but they don’t call themselves writers. Rather than identifying with the writing itself, they identify more with their message. Neither one is better or worse or right or wrong. But I do think it’s interesting that so many of us who love to write and value writing have a hard time calling ourselves writers.
When I attended my first blogger’s conference last September, I had only been blogging for about 3 months and I had only written for my blog. When I printed my business cards, I put down blogger/ freelance writer, even though it felt odd. Within a month I had received offers for regular writing gigs. I have now published 1 ebook, llaunching a second next week, and have 3 more blogs I have begun!
On my next business cards, I added coach as well, and, I got my first official coaching gig! I think sometimes we have to just claim it and speak it in faith, knowing that is the direction we are supposed to be heading, that God is leading us in.
Great stuff, can’t wait to read more!
Bernice
How to finally do what you REALLY want to do
Could you write about… whether it’s necessary to share your writing or not? I’ve heard varying opinions on whether it’s truly art if its kept all to the writer’s own self.
Love the post. Thank you for writing about this!
I love you and your writing
4 years ago I wrote a post on my blog with the title “I am a writer.” But over the past 4 years I’ve let doubt and worry steal away my writing. At She Speaks, sitting in your session, I felt that small, still voice inside calling me to write. I realized no matter how loud I scream to cover that voice, He was still there calling me to write. Maybe not a book. Maybe not articles. But writing on my blog is enough.
Emily,
I’m nearly in tears over your post this morning…because…I’ve experienced the Freedom to call myself a *writer*–just as I call myself a runner. Seriously, did you write that post with Me in mind?!?! Because, you totally spoke to me in a big, huge way.
I’ve said it outloud: “I’m a writer.” And it’s so freeing. And then my Father challenged me with what you suggested is so hard for us…He invited me to call myself *beautiful*…and I did. And again, the Freedom.
Only He knows what this *writing* is about for me, personally. But it’s a lot like running…it changed the course of my life…starting way back as a five year old with dreams.
I so much hope to have tea and visit with you awhile…someday…when I muster the courage to go to SheSpeaks.
Hugs…
Thanks for sharing this truth today. I remember when a friend of mine introduced me as a writer to a perfect stranger! I nearly choked on my drink. I’d only entertained thoughts of blogging and publishing up to that point. But, that incident was the start owning the gift God had placed in me. It was the start of honoring God in ALL that I do, especially my writing.
I know its been a while since I commented here…God has been working on me and in me…things have changed so much…pouring out my thoughts through my fumbling fingers has become more and more a part of me…something that I NEVER expected. I’ve gone from sharing the words bumping around in my mind to ladies who had become like friends on my blog “Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace” to leaving that part of my life behind and accepting the amazing invitation to write with my husband on a blog where we began sharing our journey of “learning to live a surrendered life”.
I still wasn’t sure that God really had a purpose for the simple words that poured out through my fingertips. So I asked Him to show me His direction…should I continue to do this or give it up and just enjoy my new adventures of homeschooling our children…he answered through an email from a publisher of a magazine that touches my heart so much…they wanted to reprint one of my articles in their August edition (this month). It was in shock…my husband chuckled and said…you asked God…I think He’s answering…as he held me in his arms with a big grin on his face.
Now we have moved from a simple blog to a new website. Our very first .com. And in the week we have been there…people are coming…more than I ever imagined would come in one week! And later this month my first article will be printed in a magazine filled with big girls that I look up to…I feel like a little girl in a circle looking up, wide eyed and still wondering how I got here.
I am so grateful that God is in charge…I still don’t quite understand how or why He is choosing my words to share His Grace…but He is. But calling myself a writer…its like putting on new shoes for the first time and feeling them pinch in places that need to be broken in. I still take a deep breath and pray that He will use my fumbling words to touch one person’s heart when I press publish. This article touched me deeply, Emily. Thank you for sharing your heart. I will be back again soon, my friend.
Blessings and Congratulations on your book coming out soon! You are in my prayers!
Mrs Mary Joy Pershing
I’ve only admitted that I’m a writer since January, even though I’ve been writing my whole life and writing a blog for 5 years. It seemed too lofty a title for me, definitely tied into the respect and admiration I have for other writers, but also how unattainable that childhood dream seemed. Now I claim it with each post and each word I type in my WIP. I don’t know what will come of my novel but I have enjoyed every moment of the process. I can’t not write anymore- so isn’t this just one more affirmation that I’m a writer?
Love this. I started admitting to other people that I’m a writer. It’s been a year now and it’s still a bit awkward…like there’s this bar set or that I’m being presumptuous. But I’m starting to own it more.
I have never, ever, ever considered myself a writer. But when I heard you at She Speaks it got me thinking — I’m still not calling myself a writer but I’m thinking I might eventually
For a long time I would say I write but wouldn’t call myself a writer (though I did allow myself the luxury of using the word author when I signed with my agent).
I think for me the fact I don’t have an MFA or have never studied writing in an academic setting is something that in low moments makes me feel like a fraud. Like most children’s authors, I’m largely self taught. There’s no shame in this, there is just so much I don’t know, and I’d love to be able to study someday in a low residency program. We’ll see.
The faith others have in my work has helped me see it as valid.
I think you hit the nail on the head with every point. I nodded my head and agreed with all of it.
My bachelor’s degree is in writing. I’ve been writing and reading since I can remember. It’s the one thing I love and the one thing my family tells me I was born to do. But I have such a hard time calling myself a writer. It’s scary. To label myself as a writer. Because of what you said. And also because then I have to write – all of the time. I would need to commit to the art. And I am getting there. But knowing that it would be what I did and who I was? That’s scary. Even though I know it’s what I am called to. And even though I know it is where I belong.
Until She Speaks (your session was one of my absolute favorites!!!!), I wasn’t able to call myself a writer. Even when I was getting paid to write for a newspaper, I called myself a journalist or a columnist or a reporter. I couldn’t bear to say the “w” word out loud about myself.
My only prayer for She Speaks was that God would show me what to focus on after my youngest starts school next year. Instead, God stripped away some other issues and showed me I am writer – it’s not what I do, it’s who I am. I’ve always known it, but haven’t had the courage to say it until now.
So thank you Emily!
Thank you sooo much for this post….it speaks to my heart and my circumstance. I too longed to go to She Speaks, but wasn’t able to. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post.
last night I had the audacity to tell everyone who reads my blog that I am a WRITER. It was thrilling. I have been blogging for almost two years now, and I refused to embrace the title. I still get REALLY embarrassed if someone talks about my blog. I’m getting over it though. Good or bad, bring it on!
The thing is, I can’t stop. I write in my head when I’m away from the computer. I write interesting sentences on paper. I might as well claim it, it’s either that or be crazy/lazy (because heaven knows how much time words take up when you’re obsessed with them).
All this to say, I’m glad you gave me the go ahead. I felt brave and now I feel right. There’s a difference you know.
Thank you for knowing that you have something to share and that so many of us need to hear it. Filling in the blank of “I am a ________” takes soooo much courage! I am looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
As always, I’m a little late and only recently found your blog. You’re journey is such an inspiration. I too am finally throwing up my hands and saying (albeit blushing) that I’m a writer. Even with my first degree in Information Technology, and later becoming a nurse–writing is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Boy, it can take years to come full circle. I cannot wait to soak up more of your sun light this week!
such a beautiful post. its comforting to know that there are others that wrestle with the same thoughts…… I too feel like I have to look around me before I say Im an artist…. to make sure someone doesn’t come running up “Liar! How dare you?!” And I even wait for someone to roll their eyes wondering what crafty sort of thing I do….. When a painting sold at an auction for a large sum and at following auctions people came hoping to purchase one of my paintings…… that was when it happened. I have thanked the woman that bought the first painting and told her how it validated me. Yet, as time ticked on and I struggled with creating I would actually fear sitting down to paint thinking that I might have forgotten how to do it……. its all grace. Listening to the still small voice to find my validation.
Emily,
I loved your post and I’m so looking forward to reading this series. So every morning, I will pull up a chair, get out a cup of coffee, sit down and enjoy your thoughts. Thank you for sharing them with us. You are an amazing writer and you are DEFINITELY a writer!
Jenny
You hit the nail on the head with “You have great respect for the title.” Yes. It sometimes seems very presumptuous to say I’m a writer. It’s like saying that you think you are good at it, and then opening the door for others to think you must be full of yourself. Does that make sense? If I use the title, it seems like I am passing judgement on the merit of my own words, rather than just saying the harmless and easy: “I really, really, really love to write.” or “I love words.” or “I constantly translate my day into words in my mind.” I wish I could say I am a writer and simply mean, “I write, I can’t not write and I find great joy in it.”
LOVE this — thank you, Emily! Can’t wait for my copy of Grace for the Good Girl to arrive in the mail! I so wished I’d been at She Speaks to hear this awesome talk in person!
And I have to say, even though I think I’ve mentioned this here before, this post totally reminds me of the fact that I wrote my entire first book in secret — the only person I told was my husband. I finally, finally told my parents after the book was done — and they were shocked beyond belief to hear not only that I’d written a book, but that their daughter was a writer! They were a little bit scared, too, as the book I wrote was a memoir. My dad actually refused to read it at first. But my mom read it, and then convinced him that I didn’t throw them under the bus, so he finally read it, and now is my biggest advocate!
Hi Emily!! So, I sat in the front row at your SS talk and LOVED IT. In general, I just like the way you think about things.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on “excellence.” Learning the craft of writing. Challenging ourselves grammatically. Overcoming lazy writing and weak sentences. There’s merit in knowing the rules before breaking them, putting in the work before hitting “publish,” releasing the writing to the editing process instead of falling in love with it as it hits the screen.
Wow, my own personal experience just drove by and waved.
Thanks for your relentless pursuit of truth and freedom!
This blessed my heart in a special way today – thank you for the courage to share!
I heard you speak at she speaks & still gained so much from this post. Thank you for posing this question again! You inspired me to take my writing seriously—not to take myself seriously—but to honor the gifts God has given and not undermine them with insecurity and fear. Love.
I am just now getting where I can “think” I am a writer. I have not yet progressed to saying it out loud. Or to a place of typing it on my e-mails or anything…Kimberly, writer.
And the title author. Have mercy. For some reason, I cannot even think that one. It sounds so formal. So published. So Jane Austen. 
I love your encouragement to try on writer for a week. And, again, so glad you are sharing this! If I had been at She Speaks this year, I definitely would have come to hear you.
Blessings,
K
Such good food for thought. I still haven’t called myself a “writer” yet. I simply say that I enjoy writing. And I think it’s for all of the reasons you mentioned. And even though I have been running {off and on} since I was in the 7th grade, I still am reluctant to call myself a runner. I simply say that I run. I feel like I have to run a certain amount of mileage for it to really count. It’s like I have invisible standards for each identity I’m reluctant to fully own. Weird.
I look forward to more on this topic!
I love your article today. So good and so needed by many as I can see reading the comments. Thanks for sharing and am looking forward to the posts about the conference!
Emily! This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us and being such an encouragement for us in pursuing our art.
Big sigh…..
There you are again. Beautiful you.
Who writes what is true and pure and honest and encouraging all wrapped up in one post.
I longed to go to She Speaks. Could not work it out on my end for several reasons but I’m praying for next year.
What I would give to have published the mountains of works that have come from Him in the wee hours of the morning.
With a baby in my arms and a legal pad on my kitchen counter…..
Thank you for all that you write and for how you encourage others…..
Blessings to you!!
Sibi
Hello Emily,
It is ironic you posted this today. I couldn’t sleep last night and began to think about my writing. I have a novel (um, notice i can’t even say “wrote”) which several agents I respect requested to review. They’ve had it in their possesion for 6 months or so, but I haven’t heard back from any of them. And yes, I have other writing projects and ideas bumping around in my head and on my computer that I need to push forward with, but sometimes I want to give up. There are lots of other important things I need to do, you see. But the stories keep coming, and so I keep writing. And then last night I started to pray about whether it was time to put them in ebooks, to make them available. I want people to actually read them, you see. And maybe that’s the best way to make it happen with the way the publishing industry is changing lately. Anyway, I opened my reader and saw your post and it brighened my sleep-deprived afternoon. Thanks,
Sarah
This:
” it was important to be able to see this part of myself and embrace it before I could move forward with any amount of confidence.”
Working on this.
I love this, Emily! I’m so thankful I was able to get a little Emily-wisdom in person at She Speaks. Just as I took fast ‘n furious notes there, I’m taking them here today. Can’t wait to see what else you share this week!
So funny, Emily. . . funny how we can sometimes accept things about ourselves when others proclaim them, but not when we say them ourselves. I think we fear that it’s just wishful thinking on our parts, fear that we might look foolish, fear that we might not be able to measure up. Makes me think of the first time I wore panty-hose, back in 6th grade. I was afraid that someone was going to make an announcement that I was a fraud, that I was actually just a knee-socks girl and I should be ashamed for pretending to be sophisticated enough to wear hose. The nerve.
No matter how you slice it, fear is at the root of our hesitancy. So what else is new? Thank God that pesky fellow listened to Jesus on the Damascus Road and took time to say, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I need the kind of kick in the pants he delivers. And then I need a gentle, discerning spirit like yours to help me peel back what stands in the way of my overcoming that spirit of fear and moving toward the spirit of power and love. Thank you.
Thank you. This post was personally meaningful on so many levels- I identify with both the running and the writing! I blog, but only my family reads it. I can’t be a writer if no one is reading what I write, can I ? But yet, as unpolished and unsophisticated as each post is, I can’t seem to NOT do it. I have to put those words out there-they make me feel real. I am working towards getting to a place where I don’t care if anyone reads it. It is an act of worship for me- and what better audience to write for than the King?
Read this first thing this morning, printed it out and then failed to leave a comment. This is so perfectly me Emily. Thank you so much for doing this.
“Writer” is definitely a title I would have given myself, but I guess it fits. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. Thanks!
What a treasure you are, Emily! Giving all that great encouragement to those of us who need it. Thank you!
I could just picture you leaning over and whispering, “Writer” to the woman at She Speaks. I don’t think I would even do that! I’d probably say, “I’m on the writing track” or something like that. And the irony is, I teach writing and I still don’t think of myself as a writer. The only person I’ve ever whispered that little secret to is my cleaning lady. I think my secret’s safe with her.
I just want a “like” button for this post, mkay?
Wow. Um… thank you.
*sniff*
I have been at this long enough that I got to this year’s conference able to say “I’m a writer” with no hesitation or embarrassment. But the moment you shared your first experience, I suddenly remembered a time when I used to feel that way too, and I realized I have come a long way in my journey. And that was a lovely conclusion to come to.
CLICK …a piece of you, heart words, fly into the world! W ill those words catch anyone’s interest or just hoover out there , unknown?
You can see that your message spoke to my heart today; lifetime writer yet fledgling blogger that I am.
In particular I’m grateful for the notion of perceiving the writing endeavor as building a welcoming “bench” worthy of a moment’s repose.
I went to She Speaks in 2008 too.
It was my first and last writing/speaking conference. I already had books published, so I did the speaker track, and I was mostly miserable the whole weekend. Sigh.
Great post! Very interesting, very true.
Thank you so much. I have been so reluctant to call myself a writer when writing is truly a passion and gift that I have. I think for me it is a fear that people may not think of me as a writer because I have not written a book. I’d love to write a book. It’s a dream and I believe a calling but I have only told two people other than my husband
It’s as if I’m waiting for someone to call me up and ask me to do it, which we all know is unrealistic.
I am slowly making my way through your posts on this topic and wonder at what point did you decide to just “dive in.” Was it a clear calling or a nudge?
LOL! I love this post, Emily.
I run every morning but I still don’t think of myself as a runner. It’s more of a means to an end than it is anything else. And I don’t take it seriously at all. I know a lot of serious runners and I’m not nearly as committed as they are. I’m the one you see running down the street with my arms flailing to the music that only I can hear- and the one with the big silly grin spread across my face. That’s because I’m praising God while I run. It’s that moment in the day for me when I feel closest to Jesus as He runs right alongside me, encouraging me to go just a little faster than yesterday, promising me sure footing. For me running is never really about the running, so I don’t call myself a runner (silly fact: my husband calls me a jog-dancer and is certain I’m going to accidentally end up on YouTube one of these days- ha!).
Oh but writing, that’s a whole different kind of worship. Writing is all about work and passion. There’s so much weight to it- knowing that every single word has power and feeling like I have to stay SO close to God to make sure I get it just right. It requires much more dedication, planning, and focus. I never write because I’m concerned with my well-being, rather I write solely to bring glory to God. Writing is never about me, or at least I never intend for it to be.
I don’t know if all this makes me any more of a writer than “running” has made me a runner. But the comparison here has been absolutely invaluable to me. God has really spoken to me today through your words. Thank you so much for your insights, Emily.
Jennifer Dawn McLucas´s last [type] ..Empty
You are amazing, your words seem to just spill out into the world and they breathe life into the unconscious. What a gift. I have finally embraced this word and added it to my collection of titles just under wife, mother, and home keeper.
I am a writer.
Love it.
Your post was just what I needed to read today…it is because of Jeff Goins’ e-book that I finally wrote “writer” on my Twitter profile…I’m not published etc. and etc. but I do sense God when I write. Thanks, Emily, and I look forward to hearing you in July.
Dolly@Soulstops´s last [type] ..What is green and sweet inside?
Did this ever hit me between the lines!!! or is it between the eyes or hard on the heart? Whatever! They are all appropriate hits for this lady at this time in this mode of living on the edge of becoming and feeling uncomfortable, fearful and hesitant and hanging onto the edge of past affliction. My knuckles are white with anticipation at the top of each knuckle and red with fear in the valleys between each knuckle. The climb from the red zone of fear in the valley up the steep incline to the white zone of anticipation holds a lot of pink matter to trudge through. Each nail bitting move requires my soul to linger and breathe in the hope and exhale the remains of red matter until the shade of pink transforms itself into a lighter shade of pale red. When I reach the peak, red will have diminished to white.
I AM A WRITER. His Hand will not let go of mine along this journey so I don’t need to hold on with such fear. I can give the pen or keyboard or camera or whatever tool I am to use to frame my world of artistic expression because I know Who holds my hand and supplies my every breath. I can let my spirit sour and my soul breathe.
Thank you Emily again for your courage to share you with us. God Bless
oh wow, this is so good. and so what i need to hear. i feel pretty confident in my title but only because i believe we have to claim it, but i definitely feel insecure or self-conscience about it when standing beside someone else who i look up to in similar areas – thinking, “would they see me as a blogger, as a writer, as a photographer?” whatever it is. funny hwo that works. thank you for this encouraging and affirming post!
It is interesting that I met a writer (of books) and writing teacher at Montrose Christian Writer’s Conference a few years ago. She said if you write–you are a writer. Whether it is a letter of encouragement, or a published book.
It is hard to call yourself a writer. I have published very little over the years, and to a small audience, but starting a blog has been wonderful for me. I was so afraid and my daughters kept bugging me for 2 years before I threw caution to the wind and started my blog. It feels great!
Thanks for your wonderful words!
Diane McElwain´s last [type] ..Standing Firm at Windy Ridge
Sure thing, Diane! Thanks for reading.