Ain't I A Writer?

Yes, I'm channeling Sojourner Truth with this one.

I awoke just a few minutes ago, and for some reason, the question of whether I was a "real" writer made its way to the front of the line of thoughts patiently waiting to be pondered. It must have been on my mind from last night when I was perusing several "pay per view" sites for writers. I was particularly interested in Associated Content. I did a little research and found that quite a few of the site's writers were pleased with it. I also checked out The Examiner and started to consider if I should sign-up.

I then thought about the lifestyle I lead and how closely it aligns with the "writer" stereotype:

1. I live a mostly isolated existence when not at work, spending a lot of time reading and in front of my computer. Check.
2. I am a virtual bottomless pit when it comes to my coffee intake. Check.
3. My brain is in overdrive and I'm continuously coming up with story ideas. Check.
4. I'm a little arrogant when it comes to the genius that my mind produces. Check.

So far so good. But wait a minute:

5. I'm always writing, in fact, a laptop is an extra appendage. Uh-oh.
6. I've sent out query letters and have received many rejection letters to show off. Uh-oh.
7. I have amassed quite an diverse online portfolio of articles. Uh-oh.


It's like the old question of does a falling tree make a sound if there's no one around to hear it. If I have a small number of published clips, about 12 or so, and virtually no online writing presence other than this blog, am I a "real writer"? If real writing is simply the act of using a writing utensil or a keyboard to record thoughts, then yes, I am a real writer. But if it means #5-#7 above, then perhaps I'm just a dreamer. I suppose "writer" is a personal definition that varies from supposed writer to supposed writer.

I'm a writer. I'm just one that hasn't done all I can to share myself with the world. This needs to change. I'm not all that concerned with how many pennies these sites pay me per visitor click, I want what I write to be read. On my website http://www.jennifersingleton.net/, I want to refer visitors and potential clients to my page with "so and so" where they can find more of my work. It's time to step up to the plate and join the millions of others who want a voice as well. Maybe my ramblings will make me rich, maybe they won't. But if they make one person, just one, want to hit 'print' or 'email to a friend,' then my mission will be accomplished.

That's what it's always been about for me. To one day say "mission accomplished."

I guess I can bring back the falling tree example. If someone hits 'print' and no one is around to see, has that person really printed my article. LOL. (okay, so I'm not a comedian)

Wish me luck,

Jennifer Singleton
Writer-Editor