If I may be so bold as to borrow an opening line from a fellow writer (Connie Inglis). “I am … a writer, an author, a poet.”
Well, a writer, a poet (not so much), a translator, but an author? I’m still reticent to label myself as such. I tend to conjure up images of famous authors like Alexandre Dumas, Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Charles Dickens. They are great writers indeed. Then there are those who are still with us today: Margaret Atwood, John Grisham, David Bergen. But I digress.
Recap: writer, poet, translator, author.
The first is relatively easy. A writer. I mean, most of us write all the time. Perhaps not always with pen and paper, but on a smart phone or tablet. We write – text, email, chat – to friends, family, and colleagues, even write notes for our family and post them on the fridge door. Some still write birthday and Christmas cards. The written word can be found and expressed in so many ways.
The second is trickier. I’m not a poet. I can appreciate verse and rhyme but it’s not my favourite form of expression. I’ll leave that for another day.
The third is a little trickier. Translation in its simplest form is retelling or simplifying a word, phrase, or paragraph. Parents do it all the time. They may be reading a children’s book to their kids and “dumbing it down” so as to be understood. On the other hand, adults need deciphering when reading text messages from their teenagers. The more complex form comes when translating from one language to another. No small feat. But it isn’t limited to the written word. It can take several forms: sign language, videos, even music.
The last one – author – stands apart (in my mind) from the other three. In fact, it can be a little daunting or unnerving to consider oneself an author. Why? Simple. Comparison. Just walk into any library or bookstore, and you come face to face with established and easily recognized authors, those who’ve made it in the literary world. In my case, a local bookstore that I often frequent even has pictures of famous authors – those who have visited and held readings – prominently displayed, further adding to my insecurities in the literary realm.
Well, having said all that, I’m not about to give up. I may not be famous or recognized on the street, but I enjoy what I do. I get a real sense of satisfaction to see my own book displayed on a store shelf. Now, if I could only get it placed next to Clive Cussler’s work on a book shelf. Would that make me famous?
Interesting perspective!
Yes, Irene, authors struggle with confidence at times.
Great post. And yes, YOU ARE AN AUTHOR!!!! How exciting!
Thanks for your vote of confidence.
Robert the Author !! You are awesome at it. Keep going forward.
Thank you, Lori.
Yes, you ARE an author, Robert!
Thank you. We all need reassurance from time to time.
I remember those feelings only too well. They prove something. We made it. Not in a big way but in tiny steps . And from there we might just move forward. I can visualize that happening for you. 👌
Thanks for your encouraging words, Betty.
Oh my.
I have been denying myself to relax and enjoy. This is the first time I decided to stop long enough to savor this read. Thank you for your continual patience in sending me your blogs.
Robert, perhaps you agree that us beings are so terribly busy working on our own projects we forget about self care, as to stop relax and enjoy.
It is refreshing to realize most of us question if we are doing the right thing or if we are an author or a coach or whatever. No matter how good we are at what we love to do we still question ourselves. Well Robert may I assure you; having been absorbed in your writings (before I forgot to relax and enjoy) you are an amazing author.
Thanks for your kind words, Wren.
I have known you for many years, Rob, and your writing has (reports,etc) and use of language was always well written and said. What you have accomplished is admirable, so, yes, you, my friend, are an author.
Thanks for your kind words.
So enjoyed your distinctions between writer-poet-translator-author. Thanks Robert! I especially appreciate your inclusion of those who spend much time and creative energies in writing greeting cards, e-mails, facebook messaging and other forms of exercising the craft of writing. I don’t do texting as I don’t have a smart phone and I must confess that the grocery list painsfully made up at home before venturing to the grocery store somehow goes missing by the time I get there!
As Christian writers we don’t need to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to accomplishments of others. I look forward to our MCWA zoom call this week so we can come together again to listen, lift up and encourage each other in the calling and giftings we have been given to glorify God and celebrate His word and work.
Thanks Barb. Keep writing and tell us your stories.