Lesson Learned…Finally

*This was originally published by me on Studio 30 Plus*

What makes a writer? I have seen this question asked in some form or another a lot lately. I’ve even asked the question of myself. It wasn’t until recently that I began to see myself as a writer. I’m not sure why it took me so long to come to this conclusion. I have been writing for my paycheck for years. I think I started writing for a living back in ’99. Why then did it take 2012 for me to just say it?

I don’t know if I thought that I hadn’t done enough to justify the title or if I thought people would have a negative reaction. I’m really not sure what it was that made me uncomfortable with calling a spade, a spade – a writer, a writer. I think I always saw myself in the same shoes as the singer who waits tables. She’s singing at weddings and other events but she doesn’t have a deal yet. That doesn’t make her any less a singer, right?

For me, I’ve always been a writer plus something else. My titles have always been writer/editorial asst or writer/producer, etc. I’d just go with the latter and ignore the writer portion. It’s so odd because the writing part is the part I love. It’s the writing that I’ve wanted to do as long as I can remember. I should have always been more than happy to share it.

Well it doesn’t matter how long it took me to get here, I’m here. I’m proudly sharing my title, my passion, my love – I’m a writer and it’s awesome! It’s lessons like this that I’m glad I’m learning so that my kids don’t have to. No need to make yourself less than what you are for the acceptance of others. It took me too long to figure that out.

Am I the only one who’s ever felt like this? Have you ever been in denial about your talents/gifts? Share in the comments.