The first time I stated “I’m a freelance writer” I was also tamping down feelings of being a fraud. That awful lizard brain was telling me, at the same time, “hah! who do you think you are calling yourself a writer!” Of course there was lots of inflection and tone in the lizard brain’s questioning. If you can imagine that little voice in your head that whispers “you’re not good enough. . .” waking up, hopping from shoulder to shoulder to repeat in each ear like crazy jackal “who do you think you are?”
So I’ve been thinking and wondering: If you’re a blogger, do you consider yourself a writer?
It’s a rhetorical question and one I’ve often asked myself. Am I writer because I journal? because I blog? because I write freelance articles? What makes me a writer? What makes anyone a writer?
As a blogger do you consider yourself a writer?Longtime readers know what a champion I am for life-long learning. Coursera and other MOOCs {Massive Open Online Course} are the best inventions since sliced bread. So when I found Gabriela Pereira’s site a couple of years ago, you can probably imagine my delight. Is it really possible to DIY an MFA?
In thinking further on what makes a writer a writer wouldn’t it be to write, to practice the art of writing? to continue to learn about writing? Isn’t that where the growth of a writer comes from? That’s what I tell myself, at least.
Going back to school for my MFA is simply not possible for health and financial reasons. Doing the DIY MFA has been possible and doable. Plus the ‘homework reading’ is fun đŸ˜‰
This post was inspired by a writing prompt for the DIY MFA Street Team. “Have you ever thought about getting an MFA?”
I’d love to know if you have ever considered getting an MFA or what you believe makes a writer. Let’s talk it out!
