I came across an interesting article yesterday over at International Freelancers Academy. It was called:
Why Low Self-Worth Drives Lower Wages for Women Freelancers — and What You Can Do About It
Sounds like a college course, doesn’t it? And honestly, the writer made some pretty well-researched and interesting points about freelancing. But even if you’re not at all interested in the freelancing side of writing, you may want to check out this article. In fact, you may want to spend some time over at IFA. It won’t be long before their articles and training and philosophy will start to seep into your psyche, encouraging you to value yourself as a writer.
Recently, I’ve spent quite a bit of time around family whom I love dearly, but family working in a 9 to 5, traditional work environment. And so, because I don’t work in a 9 to 5, traditional work environment, I’m invariably asked, “Now, what is it you do again?” And when I say (again) that I’m a writer, I’m also invariably asked what I write.
I suppose writers who can answer that question with, “Oh, I write for Cosmo.” Or “I write for _(insert large circulation newspaper)_.” might get an approving nod. But I stammer around, trying to think of something, anything that might sound familiar to a non-writer. Something that will erase that blank look from the listener’s eyes. Chicken Soup books usually come to my rescue, but of course, I know that they then think I write 9 to 5 for Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Oy. So on occasion, I need a little pep talk. I need to boost my self-esteem. I need to remember to value my work. The article at International Freelance Academy fortified me just in the nick of time. And now it’s time to get back to being a writer.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
I hear you, Cathy. The irony is that strangers or acquaintances tend to be more interested in what I do, ask more questions, etc than family members. My husband always tells me to be proud of what I do, that it doesn’t matter if family isn’t interested, etc. If I don’t value what I do, then no one else ever will. 🙂
SO true, Madeline–your point AND your husband’s! 😉
Cathy–It seems like you could come up with a witty answer (perhaps it changes, depending on who asks). For example, if it is a balding middle-aged man, perhaps you could say, “Follicles For Us” magazine. If it’s a middle-aged woman who asks, perhaps your answer could be, “The Cougar Chronicles.”
You could have a bit of fun with it, give them a wink, and head to someone else to talk to.
I guess because I’ve been writing for a while, Sioux, I’ve run out of witty comebacks. Time to stock up again!
(Although I’m always tempted to say I wrote the Harry Potter books, just to see what happens…) 😉
You’re one of the hardest working writers I know! But it is hard for non-writers to understand just how long it takes to get a piece from idea to polished product. I have to remind myself what Eleanor Roosevelt said – “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Then I have to stop myself from handing out permission like candy! 🙂
Oh, that Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a very wise woman, huh? (But your line’s pretty darn good as well…) 😉
Cathy, I’m shocked. I thought you were the ghost writer behind all the Harry Potter books. No?
I get so many eye rolls from people when I tell them I’m a writer, that now I try to avoid the topic. I just remember that I write because I love it, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. People who don’t write don’t understand how intense it is, and how much research/concentration/sweat goes into a well done article or book. That’s why it’s so important we all celebrate each other’s successes!
Amen, Sister Suzanne! 😉
Funny you say that. I was named after a nun. No lie. My middle name. My parents didn’t have a name for me, so my dad ran out into the hospital corridor, spotted a nun, and said, “Sister, what’s your name?” She said, “I’m Sister Francesca something or other.” “Terrific!” And thus was my middle name written upon the scroll of my birth.
Yes! This is so very true. And I’ll check out this site, probably bookmark it, and then blame you when I spend my writing time reading. 🙂
Blame away, Lisa–it’s worth it!;-)
That explains that angelic way you have, Suzanne. 😉
And honestly? One of the best naming stories I’ve ever heard!