Speaking as another who has done the whole “writer-who-doesn't-write-so-how-I-call-myself-a-writer” thing for a very long time, and an ENFJ (who totally faked them out to get that E – I learned to be extroverted, it's an acquired skill), I could relate to so much of your post.

This year, I too am finally stepping into that identity and embracing it in all its angsty, exhilarating glory. I am starting a BA in writing and media, at the same time launching myself as a freelance writer and stepping up my blogging a notch, too. Dove into Twitter a couple of weeks ago, 'cos it seems to make sense with what I'm doing, and leads me to extraordinary places…like here. Glad I made the trip, and looking forward to reading more of your very fine writing.

Speaking as another who has done the whole “writer-who-doesn't-write-so-how-I-call-myself-a-writer” thing for a very long time, and an ENFJ (who totally faked them out to get that E – I learned to be extroverted, it's an acquired skill), I could relate to so much of your post.

This year, I too am finally stepping into that identity and embracing it in all its angsty, exhilarating glory. I am starting a BA in writing and media, at the same time launching myself as a freelance writer and stepping up my blogging a notch, too. Dove into Twitter a couple of weeks ago, 'cos it seems to make sense with what I'm doing, and leads me to extraordinary places…like here. Glad I made the trip, and looking forward to reading more of your very fine writing.

I've just started owning the fact that I love to write. I LOVE it.

I've spent so many years reading about writing and thinking weird thoughts about what it required for me to be a writer.

Then I blogged for eighteen months.

Then I ran dry.

Then I blogged in my own voice, about a topic I really care about. (This made it quite a bit easier. )

And now I'm being paid to co-write a book.

That must make me a writer, eh?

And yet, because I'm not published by a publisher, it still feels a bit fake.

When I say I'm a writer, and when people probe further, I have to say that I'm a blogger and self-published, it's somehow not *really* a writer.

Yet, I *feel* like a writer.

And I write.

And I'm being paid to write.

And, er, I spend my life typing.

So… huh. #seemsprettyclear

(ps Maybe we should call ourselves Typists. That might take some drama out of it…)

Unfortunately, I've spent a couple decades trying unsuccessfully to come to terms with being a SONGWRITER. Writing songs: doing it, trying to do it, thinking about doing it, or talking about doing it can fill me with a despair that no margarita could cure. Plus a lot of angst, whining, and feeling sorry for myself. Why do I have to have this MUSIC thing inside me? Why can't I be happy just being a business owner, teacher, writer?

Isn't being an artist FUN?