author
noun
the writer of a literary work (as a book)
writer
noun
one who writes
All the time, I see people who say (on Twitter, on facebook, on blogs, on colorful neck tattoos, etc.) that they are "an aspiring writer."
As soon as you put words on this page, you are a writer.
It's only been over the last few months that I've been able to tell people I'm an author (actually, I'm not sure I've told anyone that yet; it's quite the habit-adjustment to change from saying "I'm a writer" to saying "I'm an author"), but I've been telling people since the age of 15 that I am a "writer."
I feel like you're selling yourself short when you call yourself an "aspiring writer." Buck up! Have some confidence!
Unless, of course, you only aspire to write. In which case...well, the road ahead is long. You better pack a lunch.
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Posts
Too true. It's all about the mindset.
ReplyDeleteAnna - I agree! The mindset makes a big difference in the output.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I'm glad you put this in perspective. My thoughts are, regardless of your publication status, the job is the same. I think I'm going to take the word aspiring out of my profiles. Do you mind if I repost this?
ReplyDeletePaul - Definitely, feel free to repost. In fact, anything on my website (haha, well, just about anything!) is fair game for anyone to repost, as long as credit is given.
ReplyDeleteCredit will most definitely be given. And the next time someone gives me lip about saying I'm a writer, though I usually specify I'm a starving writer, I'm directing them here!
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly right. If I don't call myself a real writer, no one else will, right? I have heard the phrase 'aspiring author' applied to someone who doesn't yet have a book published. I suppose that makes a little more sense, but I like to think I'm already an author, too.
ReplyDeleteWriter: Someone who writes (with some degree of passion).
ReplyDeleteAuthor: The writer of any particular book.
Aspiring/learning/wannabe/any other weasley adjective writer: Someone who is still waiting for the twink of a fairy godmother's magic wand.
Well, guess what? Ain't no fairy godmother. Or rather, you are your own fairy godmother. Twink that wand, write that magic, claim that word!
Stop aspiring and start writing.