A few blog posts ago, I decided that I wanted to ask authors when they felt like a “real” writer. It appears that doubt is a continuing trait for writers and I wanted to hear from the sources.
Since then, I’ve been bothering my favourite writers on the internet asking this question.
When did you feel like a “real” writer?
Today I’m sharing responses from Gail Carriger and Val McDermid.
- Gail Carriger – steampunk doyenne and author of the Parasol Protectorate series.
- Val McDermid – Crime fiction legend and creator of Wire in the Blood
Scary but interesting to hear how successful writers still feel like “imposters”.
I have responses from another six brilliant writers, so stay tuned for their responses.
Melanie Noell Bernard
Haha! This is awesome! But I have a question for your question, Madeleine: ‘What do you consider to be a ‘real’ /writer/?’ (instead of a ‘real’ author.)
madeleinedeste
Author v writer? Interesting question! I think an author needs a book but a writer does not necessarily.
Melanie Noell Bernard
And in regards to your answer, I question: ‘Why did you only ask authors?’ and ‘Can someone be a ‘real’ writer without being published?’
^.^ I’m not trying to attack you. I’m simply curious because it’s one of those topics that we are constantly running around in the writing world, you know?
madeleinedeste
All good. I’ve also asked that question to fellow new writers as part of my Siblinghood of the World Blogger questions. I wanted to see whether being published made authors feel like a “real” writer or whether publishing is irrelevant.
Melanie Noell Bernard
Ah! Now, that I can definitely get behind. ^.^ That is the angle of the question I am interested in knowing about. I look forward to other author responses.