Getting Personal: Gaining Confidence

As many of you know, I wrote in the closet for many years (read my post here.) Since getting my book contract, I've sidled out. There's no going back in. For better or worse, I'm public with my writing.

Overall, the general response from friends has been positive. Most seem genuinely excited for me. Even so, there will always be those who don't understand the writing journey, who ask difficult questions, and don't appreciate what I do.

With all of the positive responses, I have to ask myself why I still delete my email signature with links to my blog, facebook, and twitter whenever I email my non-writing friends. Am I embarrassed for them to visit my blog? Why do I want to keep the writing part of my life set apart?

I also have to ask myself why I still don't post many writing-related comments on facebook. Is it because I have many non-writing friends there and am not sure I want to expose my writing life to them?

As I anticipate the release of my book next fall, I cringe at the thought of what my non-writing friends will think. Of course I already know my writing buddies will support me, even if they can't help picking apart my book! It's the dreaded writer's curse: the ever-increasing inability to read for pleasure.

But what will my neighbors and real life friends think? Will my more philosophical friends think I've written fluff? The conservative ones think I'm too edgy? The liberal ones think I'm too stuffy?

I may have a book contract, but I still waver with self-doubts. So, my point is this: No matter where we're at on the path, we have to choose to respond with confidence in who we are as writers. Whether published or unpublished, confidence is NOT automatic. It's a mindset we must choose.

Since writing is something we're passionate about, why should we feel the need to duck our heads in timidity? I have friends who are passionate about running long distance races. And I have friends who are avid gardeners. They're proud of their passions and don't hide what they do, even if they don't win any prizes. As writers, why should we hide?

So for all of us who need a huge dose of confidence, let's believe in ourselves and announce to the world that we're writers. We should stand tall, hold our heads high, and know that in our hearts we're doing what we love.

We don't need to fumble around to try to justify why we're not published or why we spend so much free time at our keyboards. It's enough to simply say: I write because I love it.

What will you do this week to take pride in being a writer? For starters, I'm going to stop deleting my signature links in my emails! I'd love to hear how you're stepping out and sharing the news of your love of writing!