I Am A Writer

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I’ve been following Jeff Goins excellent blog for a few months now. So when I received an e mail update asking for people to review his new book I jumped at the chance 🙂

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I received the eBook a few days ago, and I read the whole thing that same day! WOW! I guess being a fan of Jeffs blog means that it was inevitable that I would love the book. So am I biased? Probably lol 😉 No, seriously, it’s thoroughly enjoyable, with some great advice to us “aspiring” writers. Lots of info on Platform Building, connecting with other writers and what to do before you even get published.

But it was the first part of the book that hit me straight in the face, because it talks about the one thing that plagues me….. The whole idea of calling myself a writer. I’ve talked before on my blog about not being able to bring myself to say that. I feel a fraud, like, if I say, “Hi, my names Vikki and I’m a writer.” someone will jump up and say “No you’re not, you haven’t had anything published.” I even had a brief discussion about it recently with Chris on Write To Perfect (see the comments for an excellent article Chris recommends).

Jeff’s book wagged its finger at me lol….. He asked Steven Pressfield what he meant by “turning pro in your head before you can do it on paper.” (from Pressfield’s book The War of Art). He asked Mr Pressfield “When do you really become a writer? Is it when you get an agent? When you sign your first book contract? When you sell 10,000 copies?”

The response from Mr Pressfield was…… “When you say you are.”

So Jeff started making public declarations of his identity as a writer, and actually started believing it. And because he believed it, he started acting like one. Jeff learnt that before others will believe you’re a writer, you have to believe it yourself 🙂

So is it time for me to submit, surrender to something I’ve been resisting as Jeff says? Ok, I’m going to give this a go…..ready……

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Oh, that felt good, uncomfortable, but good lol 🙂

Jeff suggests that I write I Am A Writer everyday….”affirming something deep inside of you that you’ve been resisting.” And hell, have I been resisting!!!!!!

There’s a web site You Are A Writer to accompany the book so I hope you check it out.

So thanks Jeff, for the opportunity to read your book, and the pep talk 😉 I’m going to give it a go….I’ll start with my FaceBook profile *gulp* 🙂

Do you struggle telling people you’re a “writer”?

32 thoughts on “I Am A Writer”

  2. Yea, I have a hard time with telling other people. I like to write, I am a writer. It’s something I have to remind myself. Interacting with others who write help that. We remind one another. You are a writer. 🙂

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  5. I love Jeff Goins! His words have definitely helped me acknowledge that I’m more than just an “aspiring” writer- but an actual writer. I’ve learned to admit it to myself, but admitting it to others…well let’s just say I’m still working up the courage. Congratulations on saying it! 🙂

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  6. Do poets count? 🙂 I love the fact that I’m a writer….my mind goes ALL the time. I’m still getting used to the blogging thing. Ya’ll have some great feels to yours from what I’m seeing. So, I have a LOT on my plate….(in no particular order) I am a full-time student (Physical Therapy Assistant program)/father/poet/40 hr + work week Nursing assistant/and. . . .writer. I had a touch time as well mentioning that to people. I don’t know what images pop in peoples heads, but I see their faces. Some with an: “oh….o.k.” And others are excited that I’m published (did I mention that above)? It’s a process…I hope 10k books doesn’t make you a said writer because if so….I have a LONG way to go. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Vikki–What a great post and I’m going to check out the blogs you’ve mentioned. I wholeheartedly agree with proclaiming to yourself (and others ) that you are a writer! Act as if and fake it til’ you make it are all empowering affirmations which I totally agree with. You said it for yourself (BTW, I agree with you that you are) and now you’ve inspired me to do the same: I AM A WRITER. Thanks for the lovely, inspiring post.

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  9. That sounds like a wonderful book! I’ve got to go take a look at it now.

    Like you, I have trouble calling myself a writer, though I’ve been practicing. The word has so much expectation behind it. If you call yourself a writer, you have to actually, uh, write. But I think that expectation is good. It’s one more thing that keeps us going when the path to publication gets tough.

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  11. You are most definitely a writer. 🙂

    It’s only in the last year or so that I’ve been able to call myself a writer and actually use that phrase when I’m talking to other people. I just did it the other day! “I’m a writer” just slipped out of my mouth and it felt amazing. 🙂

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  13. This is wonderful. I understand. I am hesitant to say that I am a writer for the reasons you mentioned. I feel like a fraud,. The first thing people ask me when you tell them I’m a writer, “What did you write–what’s the name of your book?”. Then, I have to tell them that it isn’t published yet. It seems to validate that I am, indeed, a fraud. Great post! 🙂

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  14. Pingback: Book Review: You Are A Writer | ~ CHRIST TRIBE ~

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