So I’ve kind of been a closeted writer for over a year now and I’m thinking it’s time to come out.
There are a lot of reasons why people don’t shout from the rooftops that they are a writer and I am no exception to that. People have expectations when they hear “writer” …the questions that always come are, “When will your book be published?” or “Will you be going on a book tour?” or “Are you writing the next Fifty Shades of Grey?”
UGH.
Writing is a long and tedious process as is the publishing industry. Nothing moves fast at all. Also, people think once you have this massive first draft in your hands then it should be on it’s way to sitting pretty on the book store shelves in no time. SO WRONG.
And don’t even get me started on when people ask me what my book is about.
Usually I sound something like, “Well there’s this guy and he feels guilty about this accident he was in…but then there’s this girl…and you know, well they don’t really get along at first and…” YEAH, it usually doesn’t end up sounding much like a story you’d want to read. But I swear, it’s way better than my lame explanation 🙂
However, even if I do suck at explaining my own stories and even if I do get bombarded with questions from others about when they can buy my book (at best it will be years from now, people), it’s not really an excuse anymore to hide. I have a finished book. IT IS COMPLETED. Yeah, I’m still editing it here and there based on feedback I get from early readers but it’s a whole story. I’m proud of it. I’m delighted at this accomplishment. And you know what, that’s not something I should take lightly or hide away. It’s something I should share.
Maybe it will be two years until you see my book on a shelf, maybe it will be ten years. Who knows – but I have to believe if I don’t give up, the dream will be accomplished. To start that dream off right, I have to be open and honest with those around me about what I am.
I’m a writer.
There, I said it.
J.A. Ward Writes 
Congrats on announcing to the world what you are… a writer.
There is no reason that any of us need to hide that we are writers.
The one criteria to be a writer is the one you do… write. Produce, improve, enjoy.
Love the questions. My favorite is: “When will it be at Barnes and Noble?” So hard to say that it was there last night (as I was revising in the cafe).
Keep up the good work.
Thank you!!
Congratulations! Both on finishing your book – YAY! And on the announcement – which I totally get. It took me a very long time too. In fact, when I told friends that I signed with an agent, many were like, Wait, you write? (I’ve been sort of secretly writing for 10 years! Gah!) Let me know if you need another CP – I owe you! 😀
You are on the list, don’t you worry! 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love this! Because it’s soooo true! I’ve been a “closeted” writer most of my life. It wasn’t until I hit my third year of college that I admitted to myself that I wanted to be a published author someday. And then it took me two more years to come out of the writer’s closet to my friends and family. And THEN it took me an additional five to admit to the rest of the world via my blog and various projects that I’m a writer and I’m proud of it. And, let me tell you, it’s a relief! Owning and openly pursuing my passion has made me such a better writer. It’s given me a lot of confidence and broken down walls that were holding me back…So, congrats!! I can’t wait to read your stories SOMEDAY, haha. Just don’t give up. You’re right. It takes time!
Thanks for this! So glad to hear other writers putting themselves out there and growing with their works. Hope to read yours as well!
I can definitely relate to this! I came out of the writer’s closet a year and a half ago when I started my blog. It was so difficult admitting that I’m a writer. In some ways, it still is! Congrats on your finished book!! I wish you luck with editing/querying/etc.!
Thanks! Yes, I’ve had this blog for awhile but haven’t shared it with many that I know. But I finally announced on FB when I finished my book. The support was overwhelming 🙂
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Great post, and great GIFs to go with it! Gave me a good chuckle today 😀 Congrats on coming out, there’s a whole new writing world out there once you do it 😀