You Should Be Writing...Okay, So Now What?

For those of you who read my very first blog and gave me words of encouragement, thank you! For the first time in my life, I put something I had written out there for the world to see. Of course the “world” didn’t see it, but nonetheless, a few did and just putting it out there was a huge step for me. A step out of my comfort zone and a step in the direction I need and want to be going in. So, this morning I asked myself, “So now what?” And then promptly answered myself, “Well, I don’t know!” (Yes, I’m home alone often, and I occasionally talk to myself.)
 

The first decision I made was to research. I have always believed that when unarmed, arm yourself with knowledge. (Cheesy, hunh?) Then I decided I needed a plan. It wasn’t long before the former marketing side of me began to send out words like goals, strategies, objectives and tactics. So while I started at the computer screen scribbling notes and thoughts, my goal became clear and simple. I’ve decided, with the help of dear old dad, that I should be writing, right? So, the goal would have to be to become a writer, right? It’s a testament to how I so many times over think things that are so incredibly simple.
 

But how to get to the point of actually calling myself a writer is the question. Is it being published? Is it blogging? I have too much respect for writers to ever group myself into that category without having something substantial to back it up. I thought back to some of the encouraging comments from some of you and remember seeing underneath your names, “writer” or “freelance writer.” So I thought I’d look to you to answer that question for me. Before I can move forward in my plan, I need to be clear on what exactly my definition of being a writer actually is. What had you accomplished before adding the wonderful title of “writer” to your list of credentials? I would love to know so I can formulate my plan and know for sure the answer to “So, Now What?”