Writer, Not an Author? by Lexa Fisher

Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash

When is a writer an author? Most people will have their own answer. Dictionary.com
says of a writer, “a person engaged in writing books, articles, stories, etc., especially
as an occupation or profession; an author or journalist, and a person who commits
his or her thoughts, ideas, etc., to writing.”

An author, on the other hand, is defined as a person who “writes a novel, poem,
essay, etc.; the composer of a literary work, as distinguished from a compiler,
translator, editor, or copyist, and the maker of anything; creator; originator.”

Even with dictionary definitions it’s not easy to distinguish between the two.

The definition of published presents its own complexity when considering “self- or
indie-published” vs “traditional publishing”. Does the former lose prestige because a
publishing house hasn’t deemed the written work worthy of its time? Further, is
published a paperback? Hardback? Does e-book count?

Whether you prefer writer or author, a published writer/author then enters the world
of selling her stories. For this next episode in the author’s progression, I recommend
Marj Ivancic’s topic on April 3rd in this same space about an author selling her
books.

Photo by Hello I'm Nik on Unsplash

Published or not, the pursuit of writing has given me many opportunities to practice

the skill by providing articles for professional organizations I belong to, writing
technical documentation at work, and being able to participate in this community.
Writing expands my world through the conferences I attend and help
coordinate, and with friends who generously share their knowledge and
encouragement. Finally, after decades, thanks to these experiences I’ve gained
self-confidence.

Until that glorious day when my first book appears for sale, I take romance writing
classes, enter contests, get critique partner feedback, enjoy writers’ retreats, and
send my works out for professional editing.

My answer for myself is “a writer writes, an author is published”. I feel the need to
differentiate partly because to publish is putting your writing out there for others to
read. That is a sense of accomplishment in writing that I strive for.

Start All Over Again ~ by Linda Boulanger

The beginning of a new year is always a great time to start fresh. We come out of a festive season, sometimes after time off from work, put up the decorations, and dive in. But it’s also a great time to remind us that even if we’ve fallen short of our goals (whether self-imposed or mandated by others), we can do as the old song says and pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and start all over again. No matter how many times you fall, you don’t have to change that first “I” to an “i” until you quit trying.

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an author: way before I knew anything about cover design and formatting, before Amazon and others opened the doors to individuals instead of just the big publishing houses... Even back when I thought you just sat down and wrote out a story and your book was done. I’ve always had stories in my head that I wanted to share with the world.


But it’s hard! It’s work! It takes dedication and self-discipline… two things that are often hard to come by when it concerns going after our dreams. And sometimes even when we set goals for ourselves, we find, like I did, that just three days into a new year, we’ve already messed up and missed our goal.

I set a lofty goal for myself. It isn’t a lot according to what many authors write, but I wanted something doable for me. I wanted to make sure I committed 1,000 words to the page each day for five days a week. Day 1 was picture perfect. I set up my book just like I like them, and started writing. Day 2 ended with just over 2,000 words total, which meant I had exceeded my goal for those two days. Yay! Then Day 3 hit and at 9 p.m. I realized I hadn't even opened my story.

For a moment, I started to doubt myself and my abilities to truly make 2019 the year that I published the books I'd set as my goal. I started to wonder whether my goals were too lofty… and that’s where I stopped myself. I told myself that not only am I the author of written words, but I am also the author of my own story. By not quitting, I don’t fail.

I think that is something we need to remember--no matter what we’re doing or what dreams we’re pursuing, as long as we don’t quit, we have the power.

Today, I have plans. I have cover designs to complete, I plan to take my four kids to the local ice-skating rink before it closes for the season, and I am going to write. One thousand words. Maybe more, if I can. And if I fall short? Tomorrow is a new day. I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.

So, what are your plans? What goals have you set for this new year? Whatever they are, I encourage you to remember that dreams don’t have an expiration date. Even if you fall short one day, there’s always the next. Take a deep breath, spread your wings, and try again. Don’t let anyone stand in your way… even yourself.