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To be a Writer is to be Published?
by Angela Giles Klocke and Scott D. Warren

"But I've never been published." These are words we've heard over and over from young writers. Many have the misconception that one has to be published in order to call him or herself a writer. That simply isn't true. If you write, you're a writer.

Webster's Dictionary defines a writer as "one that writes." It does NOT say "one that writes work that is published." You can even call yourself an author, as Webster's says an author is "one that originates or creates." You certainly do that every time you write something.

There are many writers who never seek publication of their work. They write for the pure pleasure of weaving tales with their words. Perhaps they only write poetry or only in a journal - does that make them a writer or not? Of course it does! Not all writers want to be professionals. Many wish to write just for the sake of writing, and they may never show their work to anyone else. Yet, they are still writers. And so are you, whether you write for another 10 years without ever being published, or whether you are published every week.

Of course, if you weren't using your writing talent to actually write, it wouldn't be the best thing to tell people you are a writer. Those who know you write expect you to, well, write. And if you don't write, you aren't being a writer. So the real question, rather than "do I have to be published to be a writer?", should be "what can I do to be a writer?".

Since a writer writes, then the first step to being able to call yourself a writer is to write, as we've said. But sometimes it is hard to do that, to just write. Many find it easier said than done. The beauty of writing just to write, though, is that it doesn't have to be perfect. If you can learn to put words on paper without worry of how they sound, your writing will come easier and, in time, will get better.

When writing for the pleasure of writing, whether hoping for publication or not, you can skip the outlining process. Take the first idea that comes to mind and just go with it. Write and see which direction your mind takes you without planning ahead. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

The practice of writing does not have to be tedious and boring. Writing should always be fun and keep you coming back to it over and over. Writers who know how to enjoy the process know how much freedom lies within the craft. And a real writer, not necessarily one who is published, writes regardless of what others think. You should, too.

So the next time someone says you aren't a writer because you aren't published, look them in the eye and declare what you are - That you ARE a writer, end of story. Hold your head high and keep on writing.

Copyright © 2002 Angela Giles Klocke and Scott D. Warren

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