A long time ago, I wrote myself a note. It says, quite simply, “Writers write.” Part of me thought it was silly to state the obvious. The other part of me was shocked at how powerful it was in its simplicity.
Writers write.
I write.
I’m a writer.
I’ve always written, but I haven’t always considered myself a writer.
Slowly, as I started to focus more on my writing, I began to grow into the title. It became comfortable. It made sense. What I did started to become who I was…who I am.
I’m a writer.
Today marks a big day for me. A month ago, I gave my notice to my editor at Mile High Mamas, the Denver Post‘s parenting blog. Today is my last day as assistant editor.
I’ve loved my time at Mile High Mamas, and I’ll contribute writing pieces every now and then, but it’s time to shift gears. It’s time to follow my passion; harness this energy and see where it takes me.
It’s time to start the next chapter.
Literally!
Yes, I’m writing a book! It’s a nonfiction piece, so I’ll be polishing my book proposal. I’ve been working on this for a while, but without the time to give it my full attention, it’s been left to simmer on the back burner for longer than I’d like. Rather than wanting to stir it all the time but only having time to stir it now and then, I’ll be able to focus.
I’ll still be writing here at The Casual Perfectionist, because this site is intertwined with my grand plan. This writing will feed that writing, and vice versa.
My husband is so supportive of me and my goals, that sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize that my dreams are coming true. Claire has always been my full-time job, and I am so thankful to be in a position where I can focus on my daughter and my writing. I am so excited to see where this leads.
I’m a writer.
Writers write.
It’s what I do.
It’s who I am…
…so it’s time to do just that.
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Congratulations on the new chapter! Your leap is inspiring. And I love the note “Writers write.” I spend a lot of time thinking about writing. If I actually wrote during that time, I’d be much more entrenched in the writer camp. Good luck!
I’m sooooo excited for you! I’ve been writing a book off and on (mostly off!) for the past two years. I’m hoping once all the kids are in school (which begins next week!!!) I’ll get some of my writing mojo back. Good luck to you! I’d love to hear what you’re writing about! I love your mantra, too – I’m going to have to steal that.
You’ve been a terrific assistant editor at MileHighMamas and I’ll miss you there.
But I’ll look forward to all your book signings and appearances.
Kudos on this next leg of the trip!
Ironic Mom, thank you so much!!
Thanks, Laura! My topic has a lot to do with the survey questions I put together (see the tab at the top). It’s a cautionary tale, of sorts, based on my own life experience. It was only going to be a chapter in another book I’m writing, but it demanded a spotlight of its own.
Lori, thank you! You’ll be one of the first to know about my tour dates.
congratulations!
I have been thinking about this subject a lot lately, as in, at what point can we call ourselves a writer? When we are published? When we are paid for our words? Or is it something more organic, more ingrained in us, that drives us to write because, well, we have to. It’s simply part of who we are.
I know it’s part of who I am, but labeling myself as ‘a writer’ has been a challenge for me…not sure why, really. Oh dear, maybe I should go write about this …
I’ve been thinking about this phrase a lot lately too, except I keep flashing back to the movie “Throw Mama from the Train.” LOL
Until I started flute when I was 9, I was GOING TO BE A WRITER NO ONE GET IN MY WAY. And then I went into music and writing fell by the wayside. That desire is gradually making itself more known, poking and prodding me and generally not going away. So I’m starting to flirt with the idea, go out on a few dates, see where it takes me. I love to write, but with everything I love to do in my life, it tends to take a backseat to the stuff I HAVE to do, simply because I love it. Sigh.
Good luck with your book! Can’t wait to hear more about it.