Comments on: You’re a Writer. Now Act Like One!

By: MM Finck

MM Finck — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:24:56 +0000

“You can’t find your tribe if you’re hiding your true self.” Truer words have never been spoken! I completely agree. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed the article.
~MM

By: Lynn Johnston

Lynn Johnston — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:04:47 +0000

Wonderful post, and so true about the need to stand up for your inner writer by letting her out! I’ve also found that to be the case–the people who are dismissive are very much outweighed by the people who will reach out to you with help and encouragement when they find out that you’re a writer. You can’t find your tribe if you’re hiding your true self. 🙂

By: MM Finck

MM Finck — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:17:44 +0000

In reply to Caroline de Lange.

You are more than welcome! Thank *you* for sharing. Testing the waters with your story is essential. And, with friends, fun! They know you can do it. I know you can do it. No one else can. Your story is yours alone. Best of luck! Have fun, have faith! 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to read my article and then, yay, to comment. That’s my fun.
~MM

By: Caroline de Lange

Caroline de Lange — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 09:37:19 +0000

Fabulous article! I never thought of myself as a writer but have some life experiences that I have always wanted to write about. Life has had us move countries twice and motherhood has happened in that space as well, so somehow writing was always pushed to the recesses of my mind until recently a friend strongly encouraged me to take on a writing course and a whole new world has opened up. I love it but have been hesitant to call myself a writer, I have seen it as simply exploring a hobby at best. The more I share my work (with personal friends), the more positive feedback I receive, the more I think I can do it, yet I have been far too nervous to put myself out there! I have wanted to start a blog for ages – you have inspired me to ‘just do it’! Thanks for that 🙂

By: MM Finck

MM Finck — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:49:49 +0000

In reply to Jilly Henderson-Long.

“Writer with a day job”? You’re ahead of the curve, Jilly! I’m so glad you liked my post. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

~MM

PS Have you seen the film Practical Magic with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock? I mention the movie not the book because I’m not sure if this is in the book: Nicole Kidman’s character is named Jillian. Her sister’s nickname for her is Jilly. I’ve always loved that. 🙂

By: Jilly Henderson-Long

Jilly Henderson-Long — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 07:36:29 +0000

So loved this article. If you don’t believe you are a writer how can you expect anyone else to believe it! My profile as a writer has increased dramatically since I began embracing the electronic highway. I have always told people I am a writer with a day job. I certainly never put the day job aged of my writing career. Loved the wholeessage MM. Well done for showing how important it is to get yourself out there. Because if you don’t’, who will,?

By: MM Finck

MM Finck — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 01:51:04 +0000

In reply to Elaine Luddy Klonicki. Oh Elaine, you are more than welcome and thank you so much for your reply! Those new writers are lucky to have you. ~MM

By: Elaine Luddy Klonicki

Elaine Luddy Klonicki — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 01:39:39 +0000

Such good advice! I’m on the board of a fairly large writers’ group, and new members are always reluctant to call themselves writers because they “haven’t been published yet.” I like to tell them “if you are writing, you are a writer.” Owning it is the first step. You make a good point that if you hide it, you won’t have the platform you need even if you find a publisher. Well done, and congrats to you on your success. Thanks for sharing your story and for encouraging the rest of us.

By: MM Finck

MM Finck — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:37:33 +0000

In reply to Cris.

Three books? Cris, that is huge. You are a real writer. Whether or not you are a hobbyist is up to you, not anyone else. I admire hobbyist writers very much. To do something solely because you feel called to it? How pure. To my mind, if you are pursuing publishing, you are a professional. Are you interested in being published – traditionally or otherwise? I just wrote an article on querying that might be perfect for you. The editor of WWWB told me last night that it will be posted within the next week. Once it’s posted, if you search for my name, it’ll come up. Regardless, you are FAR from alone. Keep the faith! 🙂 Oh, also, writing for friends’ blogs is a GREAT way to get start building your reputation as a writer. It starts with the inner circle. Best of luck!
~MM

By: Cris

Cris — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 01:17:44 +0000

I’m so glad to have read this. I’ve written three novels in relative secret. I haven’t published though, so when I do tell someone about my work they tend to treat me like a hobbyist. This makes me want to hide more. Lately I’ve been trying to take small steps toward putting myself out there (writing for friends blogs) but it’s still terrifying. This post reminded me that I’m not alone and to keep pushing. Thanks for sharing your story.