Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Secret Writer

My sister-in-law recently had her first writing piece published in an online magazine.  The story itself, one about a childhood sexual assault, was not an easy read as far as subject matter goes.  The writing, the way she wove the story together all while choosing the most precise words possible, was fabulous.

And then at the end of the article was the little blurb that describes the author.  It begins with her name and ends with the phrase, "is a writer from Kingston, NY."

The idea of referring to myself as a writer is something I've never quite considered. Okay, that's a lie.  I've dreamt of being a writer for at least 40 of my 56 years, but I've never had the courage to define myself by that label.  Years ago, I shared my secret desire to be a writer with a close friend.  She didn't give it a second thought.  Instead, she replied, "Writer, huh?  Well, I guess you best get writing."

 I do write.  For the last 12 years, I've been meeting with my wonderful writing group 8-10 times a year.  Together we've composed and read a helluva lot of writing.  I'm not proud of everything I've brought to the group, but I'm proud when I think of all the writing I've done.


Seeing my sister-in-law's name in the same sentence as the word "writer" was exciting, and maybe it gave me a little courage to consider whispering that very term when describing myself.

Sssshhhh...


6 comments:

  1. You are a writer! And you are so fortunate to be a part of a writing group. Thanks for sharing this post. Many of us can understand.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is a powerful label... that's why we should try to use it more with our students.

    BTW: I think you might be a writer!

    ReplyDelete
  3. If you don't own the title, then no one else will consider you a writer either. You are a writer. I think there is a fine line between a writer and an author. Not being published doesn't make you any less of a writer!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a powerful post. As for this line: "The way she wove the story together all while choosing the most precise words possible, was fabulous." I can say the same about you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have loved reading everything that you have written, because you have a wonderful way with words and tone, especially. Can't wait to see your byline.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are most certainly a writer. Kudos for keeping a consistent writing group!

    ReplyDelete