Unemployed by Day, Super Writer by … every moment.
It’s hard to explain to others what exactly I do for a living. What that question is really asking is, “How do I earn money?” That’s completely different than what I do for a living.
“I’m a Writer” conjures up romantic images of a carefree, vagrant lifestyle. That’s not at all what I do. I don’t just put out words that come to me then sit under a tree drinking wine. I don’t go on great trips or even eat out all that much. I don’t belong to a Writer’s Group where we share our intimate ideas in a secluded room. Writing ~ my writing ~ is not at all what you see on television.
Writing is not the same as Being a Writer. It’s the “being” part: I live to write. I live for words. I look for stories around every corner, in every shadow, on every smiling face.
I don’t just sit under my laptop and randomly bang away until something mediocre appears. Writing is editing, formulating, brainstorming, organizing, evaluating, reviewing, posting, sharing, scribbling, photographing, reading, researching…
I write in my sleep. I dream story ideas. Every bite of food I take, I find words to describe it. I’m helpless in a movie theatre because I also think how I would have written it differently. I no longer purchase products. I evaluate them. And I’m a sucker for mentally correcting others’ grammar and punctuation.
Recently, I prioritized my writing projects as well as redesigned the Blog. Since I’m a creature who craves stability and scheduling, these are both HUGE deals. Changing the Blog look and layout was a small-but-giant step for me. Prioritizing my projects helped me see which ones are closer to being finished, and which ones are still in the not-really-a-workable-idea-yet stage.
I have a schedule and accountability/progress chart. I’ve set realistic goals. I’m an organized dreamer. I keep a pen and notepad in every room of my house, in my car, and in my purse and backpack. I’m always making notes. Nearly every task I do, I do with the thought of being a Writer.
Housecleaning? Product reviews. How To’s. Short stories about struggling housewives.
Girls’ Night Out? Travel reviews. Fashion photography. And in the right setting where others can be seen and overheard, story idea after story idea after story idea.
Chatting with friends. Preparing a meal. Brushing my teeth. Folding laundry.
I work constantly.
I’ve started to say it to myself. I’ve started to announce to those who ask. I’m not a struggling artist looking for recognition. I recognize it in me.
And that’s where it starts.
Say it loud, and say it proud.
I don’t just write.
I am a Writer.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
