Today marks the day that I feel I’ve become a real writer. No, not because I’m working on my fifth Maeve Sawyer book (for a total of seven, first draft novels sitting on my hard drive). And not for the other bazillions of reasons I should know I’m already a real writer. But for me, today it finally feels real because someone PAID me to write!
This is the snippet of the main page of BlogHer today –
Yes, this is a reworked and expanded version of my post a couple of weeks ago. Please go check it out, and remember – if you tell two friends about Faberge Organics shampoo with wheat germ oil and honey my article, then they’ll tell two friends, and so on and so on and so on… and maybe I’ll score another paid gig.
Oh, and a link to the article might help – Numbers Don’t Lie: How Blogging 3 Times a Week Changed My Blog Traffic
Granted, the amount I got paid isn’t enough for a down payment on a house. It’s more like, I could order pizza for the family, if someone else tipped the driver. But it’s a start!
To the excellent editor at Blogher – thank you for publishing my words. To my blogging and writing friends out there – when did you first feel like a “real” writer? Feel free to shout out in the comment section below, while I make a phone call. *grin*
Congratulations, Trace! That’s wonderful news.
Any day now, any day now I’ll feel like a real writer… 😉
I kid. Kind of. I get it though. The feeling of being appreciated enough for what you do to actually get paid some money. I was actually a paid writer many years ago – made enough to live off day-job-free for about two years. It was a good time…for money.
But I was depressed as hell because there was a part of me, deep down, or not so deep after all, that felt I didn’t deserve it. I was a fraud.
I’ve since realized that what truly makes us writers is sitting our asses in the chair and writing. You, my friend, are a WRITER. You were far before this post. After SEVEN finished manuscripts, um, yeah. You’re a writer.
You were a writer when you started your first book. Because you wrote.
You’re an inspiration, Trace, and I’m really so very happy for you that you have this kind of validation. It’s important, I know. But never doubt for a second that you’re not a real writer. You are in every way, whether you make another dime from it or not.
I must remind myself of this as well. I think we all must. Big hugs to you.
Kel, you’re killing me. If you, of all people, don’t think you’re a writer, what hope is there for the rest of us? I’ll promise you I’ll stop doubting myself, if you make the same promise. Dealio? 😉
And thank you for the kind words, proving again what a ROCK STAR you are! *hugs*
I think, for me, it has to do with time spent and commitment. I’ve been published a little tiny bit, and it was fun (and in one case actually almost life-saving) for me to get those checks, but I think, for me, it has to do with dedicating the time to it. I’m heading there!
And congratulations! Well done!
Thank you! I’m so happy you’re heading in that direction, and I can’t wait to hear about your upcoming adventure out West.
Oh….a (real) writer? I don’t even feel like a (real) blogger. This happens when one writes/blogs about personal life.
Congratulations to you for that (reinstated) feeling of being a real writer because you are really a one with your fifth book… Yippee. And that amount enough to buy a pizza is a great thing. I Love Pizzas. This reminds me of the first stipend I earned for a summer project while in my Management course that I spent all on Pizzas. Pizzas are a great wat to celebrate 😀
You are definitely a real blogger (and writer), Anamika! Even though you blog about your personal life, your posts are engaging and relatable, as evidenced by your comment section. Never doubt that! 🙂
And thank you – pizza is definitely one of my favorite celebratory foods!
Still waiting…But actually saying, aloud, to someone, that I started my novel- well, that was a good first step. This year I’ve been challenging my limiting beliefs. Why not with writing, too?
Judging from what I’ve seen on Facebook, you’re doing an INCREDIBLE job challenging limiting beliefs! I’m glad you took that big first step, and I know you’ll keep stepping right along until your novel is published. So, inquiring minds want to know – what is your story about, Julie? 🙂
Congrats, BTW!!
Thank you!
Congratulations on getting a paid gig!
Thank you, Geochick! 🙂
I’ve long thought of you as a real writer. You’ve written 6+ novels!
It was such a pleasant surprise to see you on BlogHer yesterday. Love the shampoo reference!
Thank you, Lori! I appreciate the vote of confidence. Glad you like the Faberge reference – I was so happy to find some of those old commercials on YouTube, even if they do make me feel old. 🙂
Way to go, Traci! 🙂
Thanks, thinky! <3
Yay for you Traci!!! You are the second blogger this week that I know who has made a major step as a writer. I am so happy for you. You enthusiasm has put a smile on my face. I will use your success as inspiration and a kick in the pants for me to keep stringing words together.
Thank you, Diana! I’m glad you will keep striving – I really enjoy your posts, and you have mad word-stringing skills. I hope you continue to post on a regular basis for many years to come. 🙂
That is so exciting! Congrats!
Thank you, Stephanie!