I’m a writer.

Last year I took a writing workshop at Grub Street called, ‘How to Jumpstart Your Writing.’  It was a weekend seminar on overcoming writers’ block, and changes an aspiring writer could make for a more productive lifestyle.  In her lecture, the teacher suggested that writers’ must come out, in a way that is similar to gays and lesbians.

I don’t think I necessarily agree with the comparison; I’m not suggesting that saying “I’m a writer” is nearly as empowering or important as someone telling their family “I’m gay.”  But there have been times when I am at a party, or meeting new people, and someone asks me, “What do you do?” and I’m always posed with this dilemma:

Do I sheepishly tell them I’m a writer- even though I have never been published?  Or do I completely dismiss my writing and say, “I’m a teacher,” or “I work at a cafe” or whatever it is I am doing at the time for money and inspiration?  I can’t possibly deny that part of me that is a writer, so most of the time I tell people something about having a job– but I’m actually a writer.

Now, after saying no to an MFA program and uprooting my life, moving halfway around the world and becoming friendly with the Japanese immigration office, I have found myself in a situation where I can just write.  No lukewarm day job.  No second career that I am focusing on because writing won’t make me money.  Just writing.

I’m a writer.  I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old and anything else I have done I have book marked as inspiration or a story to use later.  I’m starting this blog as a place to share some works in progress, miscellaneous writings, and an outlet for whatever venting may come about in my process. This is a blog, after all.

Enjoy.