This past weekend, my family and I went to my spouse's aunt and uncle's 40th anniversary/renewing of vows. While there, I met a lot of family I'd never met before. As is customary, they asked what I do. Without hesitation, I told them about my two part-time jobs. When I finished, the aunt chimed in and said, "Don't forget the most important one, you're a published author."
It took me back for a second. Why hadn't I thought about adding that to my list of jobs? After all, that was the most interesting and the one the family was most curious about. I love talking about my writing, so why didn't I bring it up?
I think the biggest reason I didn't mention that "job" was because it's not really a job. I don't make a living writing. My evil day jobs pay my bills. Until writing becomes profitable, it will always be a hobby. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop doing it. Writing is also a passion.
It got me thinking about how I view and classify myself. Perhaps one of the first steps I need to take is taking my writing seriously. Yes, I am a published writer. So what if it doesn't pay the bills? It's still an accomplishment and something I enjoy doing. There's no shame in letting people know I have books out there. Heck, I might even find new fans along the way. So, my new goal is to try and define myself through my work and my writing. We shall see how it goes.
