I got stuck on my work-in-progress. So, I answered emails from writing colleagues, I dove headfirst into critique and edit requests, I attended critique groups, I wrote blogs about writing, I did interviews on writing techniques and past releases… I kept busy, and most of it was writing-related. Meanwhile, my WIP languished.
I’m a writer, aren’t I?
Some would argue that, all those other activities aside, if you aren’t in over your head wrestling tooth and nail with that stubborn WIP, bringing it into submission, you aren’t writing.
Fair enough, but I have been published—doesn’t that make me a writer? Sure, but what about those who have written but have yet to be published? Can they fairly call themselves writers? What makes a writer?
I have blogger friends who publish posts about health, fashion, travel, food—are they writers? The great Peyton Manning is admired for his notes to friends and colleagues, notes of thanks, of encouragement, etc.—is he a writer? My mom writes lists of things she wants to accomplish during the day—is she a writer?
The answer in all these cases is probably yes. The only difference is what we put before it: I’m a note writer, I’m a blog writer, I’m an aspiring writer, I’m a published writer.
But am I a productive writer if I’m doing everything around writing except writing itself? No. So get back to work, Kevin, and stop procrastinating!
I am not a productive writer, but I most certainly am a writer. I have three unfinished manuscripts to prove that I do write…sometimes. Lately I’ve been reading more than writing, which is unfortunate because I have a manuscript ready for revision that might just possibly be publishable. So, like you, I say “Get back to work, Pat, and stop procrastinating.”
You are certainly not alone when it comes to doing other things than writing. I have one published book, but have been stuck and having a hard time getting started on book two, and have lots of excuses, but they’re just that, excuses. So like you, I’m not productive, and so now I will tell myself, “Get back to work, Merissa, and stop procrastinating.” I’m thinking that might be a popular response!
Eh, you caught me, Kevin! I’ve been traveling and Christmasing and book clubbing. When I read “productive writer,” I thought of those who urge writers to “write, write, write” and finish 2-4 books a year. That gives me a rash. I think I’ll try the concept of being an “engaged” writer, one **actively engaged** in the creation of new words. And thanks for the nudge!