So When Do You Call Yourself a Writer?

       I have been reading comments on my blog and a number of people have commented about how they love to write but would never call themselves writers. After watching numerous Youtube videos, taking a Masters Class and reading quotes from famous authors, they all basically say the same thing: if you write, you are a writer! 
      Now, I think there is a distinction between being a writer, and being a GOOD writer, however I also believe if you really want to do something, you might as well do it to the best of your ability. That means if you want to be a writer, then you must write! After you write, then edit, edit, edit.
       I acknowledge I write these blogs and sometimes autocorrect helps things to slip through the cracks. I re-read and try to catch all the problems but once in a while, something will slip through! Well, that is ok, no one is perfect. I have noticed, I have improved since when I first started a few years back doing this. I can't believe I started out writing a blog every day. Seriously, my life is not that interesting! 
     I researched author's quotes and put them on two mugs as a reminder, whenever I find mistakes that I am a writer. One of these quotes is from one of my favourite authors: Richard Bach who wrote "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit."
      That seems to sum things up nicely! This applies to every aspect of life also. If you want to be a writer, an animator, a pilot or whatever it is you want to do, no matter how long it takes, or how any mistakes you make, as long as you are gentle with yourself, take what you feel you need from whatever criticism you are receiving,  then carry on; I guarantee you will get there eventually. 
      Think of it like waiting for a bus. The schedule says your bus will be in at 1 o'clock. You get there a little early to be sure you won't miss it. When it doesn't come at 1, you think, shoot, it came early so you decide to walk down to the next stop to kill time. Instead of just hanging in there a few more minutes, the bus goes zooming by and you miss it!
     That is what it is like to be working on something that takes time. If you don't have the patience to hang in there for the long haul, you may just miss the opportunity or whatever it is, that leads to your success! 
      When I went to the art college, there were "golden students" that the faculty loved. Everyone told them they were going to "go far". I, on the other hand, was told I didn't "look the part of an artist." Too much a down to earth, uninteresting student. Well, years later I bumped into old school mates and I asked about those "golden students" and many were driving taxi and things like that. When I told them what I had been up to; doing commissions, having shows, and creating my own on-line pet portrait business, they were impressed because I was still doing what I loved and making a living from it. Sure, it didn't pay great and I never was "discovered" however it gave me what I wanted: a way to be a stay-at-home mom to raise my son. As a single mother, that is no easy feat but I wouldn't change a thing for the world. I have a fine young man for a son who is working hard towards doing what he loves; animation. I know he will get there because he knows he has to put one foot in front of the other and step by step, work towards his goals.
      So you see, if you want to be something and you feel you can do it, then go for it. Of course there are limits. Somethings require PHYSICAL attributes and we all can't have the luck of Captain America, however there are tons of videos online that show people's progress. One guy wanted to be an animator more than anything but couldn't draw so he did whatever it took, life-drawing classes, online courses, whatever and he was NOT good when he started. Really pretty raw in the talent department however now he works for Disney. Took him a long time to get there, but he wanted it and he persevered and he got there!
       If you write, then you ARE a writer. Now, make a plan and keep going until you are the calibre of writer you want to be!
      Oh yes, FYI, research free-lance writing sites, do the reviews. You will find places that offer courses and actually help you to start being a paid writer. One or two take a fee upfront only and have great supports while others are a bit on the greedy side and want a large portion of the commission as well as a subscription. So do your research, find what works for you and then plug away at it. There are folks out there who have! If you love something, then be smart and find ways to make it happen. You CAN do it.