Four years ago, I join a creative writing class and started my first novel. Back then, I would never have imagined myself as a blogger, of having a platform of this scale, and I certainly didn’t see myself as being an author.
I would have blushed and mumbled that I was taking a writing class, whilst secretly writing a book. And in private I would aspire about being an author.
If this is where you are, stop! You’re not aspiring to anything… if you write, you’re a writer. It takes blood, (probably from a paper cut, but still) sweat and tears to pour your heart and soul into your work. It takes dedication and sacrifice, to set aside time to write away from family and work commitments.
It deserves acknowledgment, and not from an outside source:
Oh, when I get good feedback I’ll feel successful – no you won’t.
But, when I get an agent or a publisher I’ll feel validated – no you won’t.
If my social media hits 10k+ I’ll feel amazing – no, No and NO YOU WON’T.
Because until you make the choice to feel those things now, in this moment, to own your creativity as a writer. To validate your achievements, no matter how small. To know that even if you don’t get an agent, a publisher or make a healthy amount of sales on amazon – YOU ARE STILL AN AUTHOR! And heck, I’m proud of you.
It’s important for you to realise is that it’s ok to dream big. The next time someone asks you what you do, say: I’m an author and smile. Own that feeling of pride. Most people dream of writing a book, but do they have the stamina to stick with it. Who knows, but guess what? You did! You’re the one revising, editing and repeating.
This isn’t a hobby, a whimsical what if.
If you’re in it to win it, own it. Because you deserve it! You’re worth it!!
Be the High Queen or High King of your destiny. Have faith in your future and walk tall knowing that every small step you take, is carrying you towards a future of infinite possibilities. Enjoy the process, reach out and make connections with your fellow writers, interact with your followers and take a moment to truly relish in your unique ability as an author.
Be brave my fellow authors and seize the day.
Yes, I’m a huge Magicians geek. The show and books it’s based on are fantstic. Have you watched the show? If so, who’s your favourite character. I’d have to pick Margo.
As always thanks for stopping by. You know I love your comments, so tell me; are you still hiding in the shadows, or have you decided to own your place as an author?
Until next time: Much Love.
Just what I needed to hear today. Thanks.
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Glad I can help. We all need a boost. 😁
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Great post, Lorraine. I definitely own being a writer now, but certainly didn’t when I first started out. Julia is my favourite character from The Magicians 😊. Although I stopped watching after season 2.
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Season 3 is amazing. To be fair, I love all the characters. I really connected with Julia in book 2.
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I haven’t read the books, but I liked her story in season 2. Maybe I’ll have to check out season 3. I was a bit over Quentin and his whining in season 2 so I stopped watching.
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I agree, he gets it together for this season. It’s brilliant. Margo, Julia rock.
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This post is awesome! I love the confidence with which you write about being a writer and owning it. It’s definitely the reminder I needed right now. 😊
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Same! Needed to hear this today…
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It’s a new perspective I’m embracing. Hopefully I’ll encourage more writers to feel good too.
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Well said, Lorraine!
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Thanks Andrew
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You’re welcome.
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This is amazing dear & well said….. Nice one
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Thank you, I’m so happy people are gaining positivity from my posts.
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✌😚 that is what we write for, right?
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Out here in Oregon it is illegal to pump your own gas. A lot of times we sit and talk the the attendant if they’re not busy.
He asked what I did and for the first time I told him I write. He was curious and asked what I wrote and I said novels. That is the first time I ever did that.
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Yes, well done. Practice makes perfect, you’ll be telling everyone before you know it. 😁
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This gave me all the feels… So what I needed to hear today!!
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Good! That’s what I was hoping to achieve. To spread a little – go get them!
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Love this! I kept my love for writing quiet for a long time and finally told my family earlier this year that I’m knee deep in a novel and want to be an author. They are so, so lovely and supportive and it feels great to tell people outside of my family that I’m a writer when they ask about what I do! Everyone always seems so impressed 😂😊
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Ooh good for you. This makes me super happy for you. I’m blessed to have supportive friends and family too.
I believe everyone’s happiness lies in following there own path, we should all support each other’s dreams.
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Hello, the blogging thing, Oh my gosh lol I had no idea it was this much work. But it is slowly coming together. I started it to take a break from revising my first draft. For being a writer; with all the time it takes it is most defiantly a job that I love. Great post.
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Writing and blogging is a huge commitment, we all have our passion of the craft in common.
I think starting slowly is the best way, or else it becomes overwhelming. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 😊
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I’m comfortably hiding in the shadows. I really enjoy blogging and feedback, but my motivation comes from my kid’s hounding, “Have you finished the story? I’ll take a draft if your not finished.” Like a boss.
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Ha, Like a boss… love it.
I hid for years, so you’re not alone. I only shared my work with my critique group.
Now I have family and friends begging for a copy. But they can’t have it until it’s ready for publishing. Probably only another 100 revisions to go. 😉
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OMG! ‘You’re,’ not ‘your.’ A kitten just died or a screen went blue somewhere because of my grammar.
I’m glad you’re doing well and loving it!
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Haha, I made that mistake in a post title recently. 😖
We’re only human. And that’s why we edit our novels. 😊
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Yes! That is the right attitude to have!
Yari
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💕
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Reblogged this on Author Carol Browne and commented:
An excellent blog. Well worth a read.
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Thanks again Carol. 💕
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You’ve come a long way, my friend. Weill done. If you fancy coming all the way here on Sat we’re having a coffee morning for the Narberth Book Fair. and our chosen charity. .x
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Ooh no, I’m going to miss it again. My sister is having an engagement party. I’ll be thinking of you all. 😘
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A beautiful post. Fulfillment first comes from within, not an outside source that validates who we are. Being a writer is certainly a journey.
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Thank you 😊
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I’m going to take part in NaNoWriMo this year November, and I’ve finally posted two parts of my short story on my blog. I’m not yet ready for more than that, but I love the process and blogging is enough for now, while I keep learning and practicing… ♥ Loved this blog.
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I think I’ll join you for NaNoWriMo. I better finish my setting files so I’m ready to go.
It doesn’t matter if you only write for a few hours a week, you’re still a writer. 😊
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Thank you. I’m prepping from next month, already planning out everything so that I can start writing in November. So excited and terrified at the same time. ♥
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A great post and great reminder. I try to embrace it and I’m certainly much better at it now. ❤
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I think it grows with time and confidence. 😊
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I’m definitely hiding, I want to publish either self or via a publishing company but one day…
You’re very right about a of this though I need to talk about it and get over my shyness of it…
Thank you 😀
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Reblogged this on Planet Simon and commented:
Lorraine Amber’s has written this amazing post that all writers need to read!
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When people ask what I do, I guess what holds me back from calling myself a writer is the usual follow-up question: where can I get your books?
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I usually say that I’m submitting my work to agents. Short and sweet. 😊
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Thanks to getting the chance to stop by and read your article! Great morning motivation. Wonderful written. Have a great day.
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Thank you, you write inspirational posts too. I’ll be stopping by to read blog more often. 😁
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Very well said ❤
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Thank you and thanks for stopping by. 😊
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This is a beautiful post.. ! I AM an author.. And yes.. I do feel happy to say this… ! Yiu can find my book on Amazon – “Her Decision” ❤
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Thank you for reading, good for you – own it!
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So empowering. I used to hide in the shadows and downplay what I do but not anymore. I’m a writer and damn proud of it. Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring post.
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I’m glad you own it, Miriam. And thank you for your kind words. 😁
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You’re very welcome. It was a terrific post.
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You are such an inspiration to all the young people who want to be authors! Everyone should read this as it gives you confidence in yourself! I loved reading it. Your blog is very inspirational!
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Thank you. 💕 That means a lot. We all have enough fears and worries, it’s time for more positivity. 😊
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Wonderful thoughts!
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I’m someone that has been hiding in the shadows that I want to be an author, however these past few months I have been fighting my way through them and finding my voice and writing more than ever. 🙂
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Wonderful, congratulations on embracing your passion. I hope you love the journey.
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