Over the years I've met a diverse collection of writers who have never been published or earned any academic credentials, yet whose claim to the title of artist is genuine. These invisible writers are soldiers and bakers, convicts and salesmen, winos, hairdressers, firefighters, farmers and waitresses. Their only qualifications to literary authenticity are their writings and their desire to write. Often the only time they have is stolen time, and their private scrawls end up on cocktail napkins, penciled in the margins of receipts, on any piece of paper handy.
- Tai Moses
One of the questions I've always wrestled with is the question of what, exactly, defines one as a "writer"? Is it being published? Is it being paid for writing? Or is it the mere act of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard? What legitimizes one as a writer, as an artist?
I'm fortunate, in that I actually have been published. OK, so my article was published in Albanian (it was in a political newsmagazine in Kosovo), but I can point to that (if I choose) and beat my breast- "YOU SEE, I AM A WRITER!!"
Of course, being published is nice (and being paid is even better), but the one thing I've come to realize over the years is that I have to view the act of writing as it's own reward. To do otherwise would be to diminish my talent and my viewpoint (and I'd likely drive myself insane). The wonderful thing about having my own weblog is that I can publish myself- AND PEOPLE ACTUALLY READ THIS CRAP!!! Imagine that- you really CAN'T go broke underestimating the taste of the American public. :0)
My dream is to be able to lose my amateur status, and perhaps even to be able to support myself and my family through my writing. At this point, though, it looks as if I just might have a better shot at purchasing a winning lottery ticket (or appearing naked on "Fear Factor"). Still, if any of y'all are literary agents- or happen to be sleeping with one- I'm available, tanned, rested, and beyond ready. What's more is that I'm not above begging for work. All I want is for someone to give me an opportunity to show what I can do.
And if it doesn't happen, I'm going to hold my breath until I turn blue....
