I’m not sure if I’m blending two different terms here. Am I a working writer? Absolutely! I am forever writing and creating new short stories for market and blog posts and writing presentations and editing fellow writers and revising my college memoir and trying to keep up with social media. I so admire all of you who can keep up with the image of what I think a working writer does. Bravo!
But if we interpret working writer to mean a successful writer, I am probably not the true working writer. I’m certainly not making enough money through my story sales and presentations and editing to pay the bills. That’s where the day job comes in, or in my case, my part time position as a substitute teacher—which is non-existent at the moment because of Covid-19 and the need for online schooling.
When I think of the term working writer, I think of writers in their home offices, pitching ideas to agents and editors. I picture someone actually waiting to read what I create next. Many of you have a faithful audience who can’t wait for your next installment of stories or articles or blog posts. To me, that’s the mark of a true working writer.
I’m more of the hopeful writer. I write constantly. I brainstorm scenes, inner dialogue, character motivation, and insight. And then I pray, hoping some publisher will be interested in my creation, will care about what I have to say to the world. I strive to create a following, people and readers who care about what Victoria Marie has to say through story or memoir or poetry. My values are family-centric. My YA stories deal with teens trying to help others understand them and their hopes and dreams.
That being said, I realize I need to go out and find my audience, my followers; people who are eager to see what Victoria Marie creates with words. I look to you all, my faithful blog readers, as a source to help me explore the thick forest of publication and social media. I absorb your posts and newsletters, gleaning how you became published and successful writers; how you found the time to keep up with social media and still write your stories.
I’ll be interested to see how you’ve tackled this month’s question. It’s great having a topic to share our thoughts on each month. I am extremely thankful for all of you for being my sounding board and advisors in this writing and publishing journey.
Thanks so much for visiting! Please follow Adventures in Writing if you haven’t already and connect with me online. Leave your blog link in your comment so I can be sure to do the same for you.
This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. We post on the first Wednesday of every month. To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.
It will be interesting to see how everyone interpreted the question. I like the idea of a hopeful writer though.
Hi Victoria – we're all hopeful at the moment … I just write my blog – to educate myself and provide some slightly different takes on life … which generates friends to engage – which I'm very happily receiving.
You do amazingly with all your magazine entries, blog posting here and helping others with their skills in writing … as Alex says – hopeful writer is always good.
Take care and all the best – Hilary
I like the idea of a hopeful writer. I can be that type of writer. I'm just trying to enjoy the process of creating stories for now.
I guess 'working writer' does sound like a writer who collects a regular income. But writers know that the word 'working' is tricky with any artist or freelancer. Stay-at-home parents know what working and not getting paid means. You do it for the love of it. I guess this means I am a stay-at-home working writer who doesn't always get paid but is in love.
I wasn't able to participate this month. My answer would be much the same, I'm working, but I don't support myself. I'm happy to be writing. Sometimes I think it's not a choice, it's just part of my day. I am a hopeful writer.
IMO: a working writer is one who works at writing. Ergo, you are a working writer. Best wishes.
I'm with Diane on this one. You work hard at it, regardless of audience. I would define you as a working writer. And a hopeful one, as well. There's something so comforting about writing filled with hope 🙂
Yes, I can't wait to see how others answered the question too, Alex. I am always hopeful, sir. Thanks for all you do to assist your fellow writer.
It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thanks so much for your note. Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Hilary. They mean so much for me. I so enjoy your blog posts. I always learn something new.
It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thanks so much for your comment. Enjoy your day!
Always a good idea to enjoy creating stories, Natalie. And it's always good to see you here at Adventures in Writing. Thanks so much for your note. Enjoy your weekend!
Well said, Dawn! Good for you looking deeply into the word "working." Many people work incredibly hard and receive no pay for it. This is definitely a labor of love; whether it is writing, parenting, or helping others outside of your family.
Thank you so much for your informative comment here at Adventures in Writing. It's greatly appreciated. Enjoy your weekend!
Good for you, Joylene! Like other artists, many writers are not supporting themselves in what they love to do, create fiction or non-fiction. I agree. Writing for me is more a need than a choice. Luckily, I am happy to be writing too.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the question of what a working writer is here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Absolutely, Diane! And we work hard at writing. Luckily, we have IWSG to help us on our journey. Thanks so much for sharing your insight on the question of what a working writer is here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Yes there is, S.E. Hope makes all things better. Thank you for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
I think there can be a few definitions for “working writer” – working, we all are. But making money with that work (a different meaning of the word “working”), that’s a different story! No pun intended! Like you, I write. All. The. Time. Blog posts, emails, comments, articles, translations, a book, diaries, … Yet, the little money I earn with some of that writing does not pay the bills. I think writing for pleasure is much more relaxed and fun than writing for money. May we both get there one day, Vic. 🙂
Here's hoping, Liesbet! I have about 5 pages left to revise and find a definitive ending to my college memoir. Then I need to go back and check about progression, repetition of terms, and tighten up the manuscript. Sheesh! This is an enormous amount of work to get it right. If in fact I can get it right.
It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thanks so much for sharing your insight. Enjoy your day!