Don't Be Shy---You Are What You Are

By Keith Fisher


I know it’s presumptuous of me to say, but I’m a writer. It’s okay though, because Webster’s Dictionary says this:
Pronunciation: \’rī-ter\
Function: noun
Date: before 12th century
: One that writes


I spend hours in solitude, doing what is called writing. Again, we consult Webster’s:
Main Entry: writing
Function: noun
Date: 13th century
1: the act or process of one who writes: as a: the act or art of forming visible letters or characters; specifically: handwriting 1 b: the act or practice of literary or musical composition
2: something written: as a: letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols b: a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record c: a written composition d: inscription
3: a style or form of composition
4: the occupation of a writer especially: the profession of authorship.


Don’t hesitate to tell people. It doesn’t matter if you’re published or not, you are a writer. There are hundreds of people who would love to write, like you do, but they let other things prevent them. Be proud of the fact that you have made the commitment. Be proud of the fact that you can create. Be proud of your work.


I am spending time with my family this week, but I have been filling my notebook. This story pulls at me and won’t let me take a break from it. Each time one of my aunts, uncles, or cousins ask, "What are you doing now?" I tell them I’m a writer during the day, and I work full time at night on my other job.


One thing about it, though, explaining my stories is helping me develop my elevator pitches. You know---the thirty-second speech you deliver to a publisher? The one that makes them buy your book?


Good luck in your writing---see you next week.