In another of my newsletter signup welcome email conversations, Michael asked,
As an old guy, my only real question about publishing in general is: am I considered to be a writer, for real, if I’m not published by a traditional publisher?
By you, or by traditional publishers, or by your readers, or by your family, or by other self-published authors?
You might guess that some folks will look down on you, and some won’t.
I think the answer that matters is what it feels like to you.
I’ve self-published 10 books. Anyone who thinks I’m not an author, a real writer, can take a flying leap. I know what I am.
You probably do, too.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to be who you are and do what you do.
Love your comment. I have been told by some wannabes, that I shouldn’t call myself a writer. Yeah right! I asked one person in particular, what his take was on who is a a writer. His vague explanation was the following. “You need an agent, you need to make a lot of money, etc.”I just laughed, and dismissed him completely.
I wrote a 250 page book for my PhD dissertation, I blog world wide, have written articles, etc. For those who don’t see me as a writer, too bad. This my opinion, and you can take that to the bank. Blessings.
I sorta think writing a 250-page book resulting in letters after your name is an indication that you took the whole thing seriously, not amateurishly.
I love asking people the same question: “Then what DOES make a real ‘writer’ ?” The answer never impresses.
You’re so so right. These individuals have no clue. The next one who confronts me, will be asked to provide some tips. Let’s see how they answer. Blessings.
Let’s see if they DON’T answer. That way, they might be worth talking to. Might.
Bingo.