I wondered whether I could still call myself a writer when I was booking next year’s craft fair spaces. Do I still write? I am an author — look, here are my books. But does that make me a writer? Was I ever really a writer? Sound like a post for an insecure writer, doesn’t it.
This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post, in which we share our successes and failures as writers, our insecurities, in fact. Anyone can join in, just sign up at the IWSG Sign-up page, write a blog post on the first Wednesday of the month, and go back to that sign up page to link with everyone else–or a goodly sample. Our host is Alex J Cavanaugh, and cohosting this month are:
Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane,Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre
Am I a writer?
We’ve had this sort of discussion before, particularly the semi-professional v. the hobbyist. I’ve generally been considered more of a semi-pro, looking at it as a business as well as something enjoyable. Okay, my first three books were just for fun. Once I got into publishing, though, it became much more formal, and hopefully more professional too.
But when talking to others about booking tables for next year, whatever people were making and selling, it seemed that there was a dividing line between doing it for the money, and doing it for enjoyment. I think the divide is when you realise you are not making money from this, what with table fees, travel costs, and insurance on top of the actual cost of your products. Plus snacks and coffee, since the ones brought from home never seem to last past midday!
At this point, some people diversify, others give up. Some, including me and a few others I feel I have made friends with, have added in a ‘social’ value. What would it cost me to have an enjoyable day out in nice surroundings, talking about books (mine and ones I’ve read)? Toss a coin, think of a number, but it’s probably the cost of a meal plus a movie. Well, on that basis, I’m continuing with the craft fairs.
But am I writing?
Rarely.
I’m getting more ideas for short stories. If I don’t jot down the title, it’s gone forever. However, I am sticking to the one a month short story for now. I still want to bring out another short story volume on the theme of climate & environment.
I want to write again. So I reckon I’m still a writer.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Question of the month
Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What’s your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.
IWSG OCT 24
I don’t like ghost stories. I’ve never liked chills up the spine.
So why did I enjoy the brilliant Lockwood &Co series by Jonathan Stroud so much? Why did I write a pastiche of The Christmas Carol starring the dastardly Carruthers for my winter short story volume? Why did I have Jojo Madeira see ghosts in her introduction story? Maybe I like writing ghost stories, but I have to feel in safe hands when I’m reading other people’s… Neil Gaiman, for example (the Graveyard Book, Coraline). And David Walliams writes nice ghosts and Awful Aunties (review in a couple of weeks)!
Maybe I do like ghost stories, after all!
Nice setup! I’ve never done it for the money although I’ve made money from it. Not writing now but hey, never know when the urge will hit again.
Your table looks so inviting!
As for what makes a writer? We all go through different seasons in our creativity and output, so as long as you still have that yearning to write even if you don’t always get around to it, you’re a writer.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Adventures in Audio: Recording and Publishing Audiobooks
I think the social aspect and getting out in public as a writer are good reasons to keep doing the fairs. And with as hard it is to make it as an author, I think it’s okay not to write as much anymore. Maybe you’re like me. I like to write sometimes but I have other things that keep me busy and are fulfilling, so I don’t write all the time.
Hi,
Reality can be far scarier – A stalker, following me from the station, right behind me as I unlocked my front door ? How did I persuade him to leave ?
A few days previously, a murder, a couple of streets away ?
Life keeps getting in the way, all the time (and sheep ) , but that might be another excuse. The family expert’s judgement should have settled the matter. (Expert, because working in publishing. ) ‘ I’ve read your book. You’re not a writer’
Why continue to write? To tell stories ? Explain things to myself ?
Enjoy the fairs, and meeting people. Esther
“I’ve read your book. You’re not a writer”?? Who wrote your book, an electrician?
Hi Jemima – you’ve done well with your stories over time and been good about promoting them … not me – I just enjoy blogging. I’ve been thinking about the The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde – but I don’t like to watch horror stories or read them very often … all the best – Hilary
This was such an insightful post, thank you for sharing your struggles. I think you’re an incredible writer, regardless of whether or not you write as much as you used to. A part of life is changing and discovering new things we might be interested in, perhaps partaking in our older passions a little less in exchange for learning new skills, having new experiences, and getting new hobbies. The craft fairs sound wonderful, and I love your table setup! Best of luck in any endeavor you undertake.
I had to admit years ago that I don’t write for the money but for pleasure. I also don’t travel to sell books, except to Maine, where I do research for my mystery books and have a book signing event in one of the Sherman’s stores. I need to look into local crafts fairs!
As for my favorite classic ghostly tale (and I’m not a fan of this genre), I think anything by Edgar Alan Poe, which I had to read in high school. The one that has stuck with me is The Fall of the House of Usher.
I’ve faced the same conundrum. Though I’ve published 9 novels, I don’t consider myself a writer most of the time. I’ve lost money on book events / signings, and though I like your take on them as social opportunities or entertainment, I do feel frustrated when I put time and effort into attending only to sell zero books at times. After a three-year hiatus, I am getting back into writing, which feels good.
Yeah, me too–write not for money. What would I do otherwise? I don’t cook, garden, nosh with friends? So I end up writing!
I am another who sometimes questions the whole pro/hobbyist thing, though I’m writing just enough to convince myself I’m still a writer. But the income from it has actually dropped off even as my list of publications has increased. And I’m always afraid to pay up front for the chance to sell books. I need more guts. As for horror and chills, you know I’m a wimp in that department! I couldn’t managed Lockwood & Co 🙂
Most of my writing these days is poetry, very short observational type. I post it on my poetry blog. I used to write regularly on my Finding Eliza family history blog but I haven’t written one post since the A to Z Challenge. I’ve done lots of research, lots to write up, but sitting for long periods of time makes my knees ache, so I don’t. Re-reading my old posts makes me think I should organize them so that if I suddenly pop off, at least that would be done. Do I consider myself a writer? Sort of, but I don’t really think about it too much any more.
Of course, you’re a writer. Never doubt that.
I don’t like horror stories either, but there are ghosts in other genres. Being terrified is NOT a prerequisite to enjoying a ghost story. Ghosts could be sweet or inquisitive or humorous. It’s all up to the writer.