Writers Write

In my last post I mentioned people can stumble as they begin a story on the fact that their families don't consider writing a reasonable career. Family dynamics can be tough. I recommend Julie Cameron's book The Artist's Way; she has suggestions and exercises to overcome less-than-supportive home life.

In a similar vein, I know people who do not consider themselves writers yet; they're waiting for some magic moment that will confirm that they're "real" writers. It's now, people: if you write, you're a writer. It's that simple.

(I confess to being completely arrogant on this point. I've always known I was a writer--although I did toy with the idea nursing school when the fourth-grade boy I had a crush on said he wanted to be a doctor.) I've heard one Pulitzer winner say that, as she struggles with each story, she keeps expecting someone to come up and expose her as a fraud, not really worthy of a Pulitzer.