I’ve noticed that many people refer to themselves as writers and/or bloggers these days. I don’t, as I’ve always wondered how you define the terms. The problem I have is that I walk, but I wouldn’t describe myself as a walker. In the past, when I used to walk 20 miles for fun (I lived in a flat place) I still wouldn’t have described myself as a walker as I didn’t have proper walking boots, a compass or Kendal Mint Cake. Mostly I just had a packet of sandwiches and a pair of binoculars.
I feel you need lots of kit, and probably hills before you can call yourself a walker.
So, I ask, what is the stage at which someone who writes becomes “a writer”? Or when does someone who writes a blog become a “blogger”?
I have, in the distant past, been paid for things I have written, and had the odd placing in competitions, though I never won any. I may well have been “a writer” at that point. I don’t think I am now as I do tend to feel that it should feature regular attempts at publication and sitting round with a group of other writers talking of dramatic foreshadowing and story arcs.
I also think writers need angst.
Having made a decision years ago not to worry about things I can’t change, such as war, climate change and male pattern baldness, I donate money to charity, recycle and shave my head every so often. It doesn’t cure any of the problems but it doesn’t make them worse and it does keep my head tidy.
This stops me experiencing angst, which probably renders me unfit to be a writer.
There’s no special equipment for writers, as everyone has laptops these days, but I can’t see that sitting at home writing as a hobby makes me a writer. Nor does having a hobby make me a falconer.
I’ve been looking for a home for that pun for years.
Becoming more serious, for once, at what point do you think it’s fair to call yourself a writer or a blogger? I know some of you have written books, and are therefore proper writers, so I’m confident of some high quality answers here.
No pressure though…