Before others will believe what is true about you, you’ll have to first believe it yourself.
―Jeff Goins, You Are A Writer
A few days ago I went to the veterinarians' office for my yearly check-up. On the intake form it asked what kind of cat I was. I asked my typist to put down, “writer,” on the form.
Humans get asked what their occupation is. Cats don't get asked.
It is such a struggle, to be recognized as a writer. I want others to recognize I am a writer, but first I have to believe it myself.
Do You Believe in Yourself as a Writer?
Mr. Goins doubted his ability as a writer. I understand how he felt. I really do. I really doubted my ability to write as well.
My mother kept saying to me, “You should be chasing mice for a living. You are not a writer. You are a mouser.”
My biggest problem was I believed what my mother said. I didn't believe in myself.
After reading Mr. Goins book, You Are A Writer, I realized the only way to be a writer, was to act like one.
3 Ways to Act Like a Writer
I closed my Mouse Hunting Business and hired Mrs. Hodges to be my typist. We work together every morning. I dictate and Mrs. Hodges types. We are working on my memoir, and an updated version of my free e-book, “Cats Are Better Than Dogs.”
1. To be a writer you have to write.
So if you want to write, call yourself what you want to be.
I know if I say I am a doctor that doesn't make me a doctor. Some skills take years of training. And I know if I say I am a lawyer, I am not a lawyer. If you say you are a cat, that won't make you a cat.
But we can be writers. Yes, even a cat can be a writer.
2. Own the word.
Own the word writer. Go run into your bathroom, look in the mirror, and say, “I am a writer.” Then go sit down and write.
3. Stop saying, ” I want to be a writer.”
Stop saying, “I aspire to be a writer.” Wanting or aspiring is an excuse to delay sitting down to write.
4. Be prepared for someone to ask, “What do you write?”
Tell them, “I write stories or I write non-fiction or I write about how to be a cat.” Hold your chin up high.
You don't have to be published to be a writer. You just have to write.
You Are A Writer.
Yes, you are. If Mr. Goins says it, then it must be true. I do recommend you read Jeff Goins book, You Are A Writer. The book is divided into three sections: Write, Getting Read and Taking Action. So lets take action today. Lets practice writing.
If you are a writer. You act like a writer. And, what do writers do?
Writers write.
Everything is practice. Every word you write and action you take is a chance to get better.
― Jeff Goins, You Are A Writer
PRACTICE
Write about when you told someone you are a writer.
Write for fifteen minutes. It could be a real story, or an imagined one. Maybe the story you tell will come true. When you are finished, please post your practice in the comments section. I look forward to reading your stories.
All my love,
xo
love Pooh
Pooh Hodges is the cat who writes. He is an author, an entrepreneur and a visionary. He dictates to his typist every morning before he takes a nap in a sunbeam. He is currently writing his memoir, a tragic tale of loss and redemption.
Pooh would love to be your friend and he would love to connect with you on his blog, thecatwhowrites.com