Knowing Who You Are

by Sheryl Hardin

What we all have in common is that we are writers.  Whether we write for profit or not, we are writers.

When we write we learn not only about our subjects or about our characters, but about ourselves as well.  Those things that we each judge as important enough to write about, say a great deal about who we are, not only as writers but as people as well. We are writers because we love words.  We think about words, we mull over the perfect choice, and wonder how this word came to be associated with that meaning.  When we gather together in a group we understand each other.

We know that not everyone thinks like us.  We are different, some might even say special.  So, why is it that so many of us do not claim who we are in loud clear voices.  Think about it, when someone comes to you and asks you what you do, do you say, "I write."  Even if, maybe especially if, you have other means of income, do you ever say, "I write." 

Why hesitate?  People think writing is glamorous whether it is your vocation or your avocation.  Probably because they have never stared at a computer screen at 5:00 AM in the morning with their hair uncombed, wrapped in an old bathrobe trying to finish a piece before the editor's deadline.  But still, people think writing is glamorous. 

But impressing your friends, co-workers, and new acquaintances is not the main reason why you should claim who you are.  Claiming who you are sets an intention. When people know you are a writer or an aspiring writer they can help you.  Help can come from the least expected places and people.  You will find that they will recommend your work, buy magazines with your articles, encourage their book club to read your books, and help you make connections you might otherwise never have made.  Who knows, maybe someone in the PTA is a relative of a great agent, an agent who without a recommendation would never consider your work.

It is time for spiritual writers every where to stand up and be proud.  Claim who you are and expect good to come.  When it does, write us and tell us about it, we want to know.