A Writer is Who I Am
Writing is what I do
I’m not a part-time writer, but I write part-time. They’re not the same thing, and every writer knows it. Once a writer, always a writer. Writing is in our blood, whether recreationally or as a profession.
I’m not sure when I discovered my love of writing, but I remember the joy I felt when elementary school teachers praised my work. Whether it was poetry or a short story, I beamed with pride when compliments came my way. Journalling became my forte as I aged, but my entries never met with others' curious eyes.
In my early twenties, while working in daycare, I tried submitting a couple of children’s picture books to a renowned publisher and got my first rejection letters. It was humbling but also defeating, so I gave up soon after that. I had a career, was a new mom, and was a devoted wife.
Who had time to battle a letter of disinterest that stated only that my stories weren’t what they were looking for? Where does an amateur writer go from there?
I began writing again in my forties, writing short stories monthly for timed writing competitions run by a Canadian publisher. I was battling severe depression, and writing sick and twisted short stories helped me deal with my emotional pain.
Today, I write mainly drabbles. They are one hundred-word fictional stories—no more, no less, and since January, I’ve worked on perfecting my craft. While I no longer suffer from depressive thoughts, many of my writings have a sinister twist. One reader likened me to Stephen King, but believe me when I say she was being more than kind.
Still, comments like that motivate me. Fellow writers on Medium encourage me with their positive comments and claps. Some might consider my writing more than part-time because I create every free moment, but it’s a side hustle—a mission I conquer to keep my imagination at bay.
It takes many writers a lot of time to admit they’re writers. When did I become one? Was it when I first started creating journal entries for myself or when I began putting my work into the world?
Dictionary.com defines a writer as “a person engaged in writing, writing books, articles, stories, etc., especially as an occupation or profession; an author or journalist. a clerk, scribe, or the like,” but I ascribe to Mirriam-Webster’s simplistic definition.
A writer is “One that writes.”
I am not a part-time writer because I embody the role. I live and breathe it. It’s a need, not a want, and I never step out of the part, but these days, I write part-time. For now, it’s my preference, but someday, I hope to hang up my professional H.R. hat and focus on writing full-time during retirement.
It’s nice to have a goal.
I’m still pursuing my 365-day goal of writing drabbles this year. I’ve been writing these flash fiction stories since January 1, 2024. I infuse either humour or horror into them, typically ending with a twist or a play on words, but not always.
Here are a few of my favourites.
When you’re in the right place
It looks like spring is finally here. Thank you for spending time with me in all your daily activities.
Take care, and have a great month.
Taking on the drabble challenge is commendable - best wishes!
Thank you, Yana. So far, I haven't missed a daily word. I'm proud of myself. It's fun, but also difficult creating so many scenarios.