“You’re a writer,” the conversation always begins, “what do you write?”
I’ve always had trouble answering this, because, really, I will write anything. Also, in an attempt to portray myself as a professional, I try to pick out those things that I get paid to write, and to make my job sound interesting. I tend to answer with something like, “Some blogs, and I’m working on a novel, and I like to write short stories, and I just started this book…” and trail off into a place void of self-confidence, assuming that they think I’m a hack like every other hobby writer they’ve ever met.
But, last night, I had a breakthrough. Someone asked, “What do you write?” and I answered, “I’m a freelance journalist, and I just published a book of short stories.”
Not only is that answer succinct and professional, it describes what I want to do. I feel strange calling myself a “journalist” without any kind of degree and a very irregular flow of assignments. But, the type of writing I do and the type of career I aspire to is best described in brief conversation as “journalism”, which is far better than a vague string of stories, blogs, books, and plans.
More importantly, this introduction lets people know how I want to be treated.
Stefan and I have taken up the mantra spouted often by comedian Nick Hart: “If you act like big shit, they’ll treat you like big shit.”
That, I suppose, is the comic’s way of saying Dress for the job you want, in a world where your clothes are far less meaningful than your attitude.
Do you get shy trying to explain to people that you’re a writer? What do you want to be?
Here’s some practice: Answer this question with confidence in the comments –
What do you write?
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So what happens when someone responds to your “freelance journalist” statement with “oh, so you’re a blogger” ?
Hmm. I haven’t gotten that question yet. If you do, just answer honestly. Blogging — a lot of types of blogging — are very much journalism now, so if that’s what you do, answer “Yes” proudly. I don’t consider myself primarily a blogger, though it’s a major part of how I share my writing and connect with people, so I would just take that opportunity to further explain the various things that I write and the projects that I’m working on.
Nothing yet. But I’m starting. I’m writing a short story and hoping, within six months, to be an established freelance writer, both fiction and non.
Congrats, and good luck! What kind of non-fiction do you write?
I attempt to write short stories and novels, but usually get distracted somewhere between “research” and “halfway done”. :)
That sounds familiar ;)
You hit the nail on the head! I can totally relate. It makes a big difference when I say that I write for a few blogs and websites vs. “I’m a web content editor”.
Exactly. It’s amazing how much difference we can make with a few words, isn’t it?
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I write witty humor and satire. I was also an aspiring children’s author a few years back. (I actually JUST posted a manuscript for a picture book I submitted to publishers back in 2009,but was rejected.)
I would ultimately love to run my blog full-time and get out of my current IT job altogether, but I think it’s going to me mighty tough to replace my six figure salary blogging.
Almost guaranteed it’s going to be tough replacing that six-figure salary blogging. An easier feat (though still tough) would be to figure out how to survive on a lower salary. Either way, I like the blog, and best of luck with where ever you decide to go with your writing!
Since you asked (in the forum), the reason for the uptick in views is because you used the word sh*t. It’s a phenomenon termed SEO (search engine optimization). There are all kinds of ways to massage the blog to get bigger numbers. The “old journalism” equivalent would be to follow adages like “If it bleeds, it leads”. Numbers matter if you want to sell products. Quality matters if you want to sell ideas. Big ideas get you lower numbers. You go horizontal (broad), or you go vertical (deep). I value depth more.
You appear to be the nicest ex-campaign writer in America, and, being a musician, I can’t resist smiling when discovering someone named Sitar. I’m an ex-Iowan that went to CA and worked in “the biz” (casting/acting/post-production sound) for 20 years, and I married an Emmy-winning TV news writer. I get you.
Thanks for the feedback! Searches didn’t bring many views to this post — most were from links — but I have no doubt that you’re right that the “sh*t” in the title caught a few peoples’ attention.
It’s nice to meet another Midwest transplant who seems to have made it on the west coast. Congrats on all accounts. :)
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I’ve been struggling with how to explain what I do in short form. For example, when I’m at a party and I know I have about 40 words before the eyes of the person I’m talking to glaze over and they start to doze off. I haven’t found the right combination yet. Verbal breakdancer is too short and somewhat inaccurate and, well, I don’t have enough space here for the rambling non-sensical other end of the spectrum.
Maybe I need to make up something totally random, say it and then walk away? This professional thing is hard.
You said it perfectly :) It’s hard. I used to get scared and procrastinate throughout my 40 words. Just give yourself a title, know your elevator speech, and say it all with confidence.
In fact, your job title is intriguing. May be a good conversation starter, in the right crowd.
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