But, as is inevitable when at a function where you're at a table and you only know half of them, the question 'What do you do?' is brought up. I answered with a very eloquent 'uh...nothing'. Yay unemployment!
It wasn't until later that it crossed my mind that I could have said 'writer'. I mean, that does take up a chunk of my free time and it's a strong passion. But I've never felt confident enough in my skills to call myself that to strangers. Just family and friends.
But I caught myself during the actual wedding (which was done mostly in Greek and as I pretty much only know 'how are you?', 'I'm fine', and 'pass the salt' it's hard not to daydream) starting and plotting at least two stories. And I tend to use my experiences to come up with descriptive phrases all the time.
She felt as awkward as an atheist at a Catholic wedding.
After the exam, he felt as if he just got done with a five hour car ride - lethargic, stiff, and headachy.
The relief that washed over her was physical, as if the dentist had removed a wedge from between two teeth.
Probably not the best, but cues that even while getting a cavity filled I have words on the brain and that certainly should be enough to call me a writer at heart. Which in turn should make me less shy about admitting it. I mean, I do want to write professionally too (though there is a difference between PR materials and fiction). 'Writer' just connects with fiction in my head, so that might take some getting use to.
But yup, it's official. I'm a writer and I don't just do it for a hobby.
Someone once asked me why I didn't tell people I was a writer. I said I didn't like to as I hadn't had anything published and she asked how I was going to convince other people I was a writer if I didn't believe it myself. She was right - but I still don't tell :-)
ReplyDeleteSarah - Well, its obvious you tell some people. I'm well aware that you're a writer ^_~ But yeah, I'm still not going to go around announcing it to everyone.
ReplyDeleteFair point! I should have specified that I meant random outside people, not my lovely friends on the internet :-)
ReplyDeleteI find I 'confess' to being a writer. I work very part-time as a gym instructor, so often the question is, "Gasp... what else do you do? gasp...?" After a moment or two, I generally tell people I write, as I HATE the thought of being seen as lazy, as someone who just sits at home watching daytime telly. My vanity and snobbery win out every time.
ReplyDeleteAnd, obviously, you are a writer, that's what you were doing throughout the ceremony. That's it now, though - it's inescapable!!