Who currently knows you are a writer?

Tell everyone. Be proud.

 

my dog Rumplestiltskin

 

Those that don't understand and/or support me.

 

I'm not shy about saying I'm a writer, so my family and close friends know I write and have read my work at one time or another. I really miss college because, as an English major taking Writing Popular Fiction classes, I was surrounded by a writing community, albeit a small one. Post grad, when people ask what I do in my spare time and I tell them I write, their reactions make me feel a bit foolish. I have had 3 of my short stories published and I have those accomplishments on my resume. Often when its brought up, they don't realize its fiction. Then I tell them what its about, and get that "Oooooooh" type of response that humoring you, but wholly disinterested. I always carry notebooks, so I do write when I'm at work if I haven't been assigned projects or have finished my tasks, so people see me writing quite a bit.
Then you get people who are generally amazed/in disbelief and will actually ask questions (how long did it take you? you really wrote all of that? is it hard to come up with the ideas? how do you stay focus?).
I feel like, unless you have your work published, people will only see "I'm a writer" as just a hobby, like doodling. Like, the main goal of writing is to get published, otherwise, why write? So I don't really broadcast that I write. When its brought up, or if they ask is when I talk about it.

In terms of family, they know I write and have read some of my work, but as I've gotten older, I've stopped letting them read my stuff and I've stopped talking about my writing with them (except for my younger sister; I will message her sometimes in the middle of the night to bounce a plot off of her or ask for input of a scene/character). My family tends to think what i write is either fanfiction ("Where is this character from? you've had to have watched a movie or read something in order to write this") or I based it off of myself or someone I know ("You can tell me, who is this character really?" or THEM: "I cant believe you would actually say something like that!" ME: "huh? Its a story... the character said that. " THEM: "But you wrote it...")

The short answer is: a lot of people know that I write, but few people know what I like to write about.

 

Nobody. Not even me. I mostly think I'm a tea-disposal unit that occasionally pokes the keyboard to stop the keys getting too dusty.

 

A few co-workers and my family. Their response is the usual. Dismissive. lol

 

I haven't finished any of my stories (besides fan fics from many years ago), but I have two long-distance friends and one close friend who know that I like to write. I've told some people about my current story, but no family members. My mom has always known I have liked writing, though. The number of people who actually have the interest or time to read and give feedback is almost non-existent right now. Everyone I know is quite busy with their own lives, and I can accept that.

 

A few people here and there who have struck up a conversation that led to the topic of writing, but not many. My family knows, mainly because I've made it abundantly clear that I want writing to be my future. It's just one of those little facets of my personality that many will never know because they're not curious enough to ask.

 

Mostly friends and family, and those I care to tell. I'll let more people know once I get to the beta reading stage.

 

Just a couple of co-workers, and a close friend.

 

Family, a few friends, the people that I meet on writing classes and I suppose the people at the many writing competitions that regularly dismiss my work.
Unpublished and on this forum to discover where I need to go with my writing - I got into this with the intention of giving some pleasure to readers after all.

 

A lot of my family knows, now. They've known for a while, I just haven't came back and updated this.

 

OP

Everyone I know. Mostly because when I put a new book on Amazon, i put a post on facebook too.

No hindrance for me, although people love to say after a conversation - or more than usually a joke of some descripotion - 'That'll make a good storey, you should do that!' I mostly nod and agree, and do not tell them that i have the next 20 or so book ideas already written down and just waiting for me to have the time to start them.

On the plus side, because people ask and conversations about them starts, i have come across a couple of very good friends that have helped me edit and one person that has even helped me with artwork. All of which would not have happened if i didn't speak about it.

Rgds

 

Don't you guys know that being a writer is sexy? Seriously, your accomplishments matter very little compared to how much more attractive and intriguing just being a writer makes you. For those of us who might not be lookers, mention often being a writer. It seems to work well. It's been a long time since I slept alone.

 

NO ONE. Like I haven't even officially told my husband. He peeks over my shoulder sometimes so I'm sure he has an idea, but... I write very graphic, very raunchy, erotica. I wouldn't say I'm embarrassed of what I write, but I'm a mom, and my job has a morality clause, so it's just not a great idea for people to know.

I've written and shared short stories online before under a pseudonym, never tried publishing anything.

 

Nobody.

 

Everyone and their little dog to.

 

I'm a writer. I can't shut up when a keyboard is in front of me. My wife and kids know of my passions, but it's ok if I keep them to myself. I'm happy with their thinking my writing is like adult coloring. I know the power of words. I don't have to sell that to anyone.

I do admit one frustration. My wife is a teacher, and I'm quite amazed teachers just want to have fun. I figured once my wife got into the teaching game, we'd have evenings out steeped in heady conversation. Not quite the case. I can't even convince my wife it would be nice to spend time in a library, or at an isolated table in a restaurant, exploring self-improvement. I at my Scrivener or my Ulysses, she at her research; a scene I doubt will ever play.

That, I regret even more than not having any published work.

 

Made the mistake to mention that I'm writing a story to some people who are close to me. Now they won't shut up about it

My family knows but I'm trying to make them forget by never talking about it. So far it seems to be working.

 

Perhaps this explains some interactions I've had. Too bad for all involved, for all females are permanently friend-zoned. I chose celibacy after my marriage died...not catholic priest celibacy...proper celibacy.

I never thought of it like that, but as I think about it, some folks are attracted to artistic-creative types. But would folks think technical manual writers are sexy?

 

Just finished first draft of first book. An account of how I cured my two types of Depression. Currently doing a final edit before sending to publishers.

Family, friends and aquaintances know of the project. Most folks are excited about the prospect of publication. It now only comes up if the conversation warrants it, as I was joyfully embarrassed that it's taken several years to complete.

Not so much helpful when I shared my intention to write it, but encouragement ensued as the project began. And folks were excited, as I was that I finally finished it.

Nope, and I told folks as things unfolded. You don't know how anyone will respond when you tell them, so you utilise the enthusiastic responses and disregard the others, as not everyone will share your passion, joy or enthusiasm.

It depends on the attitude and nature of the potential boss I suppose. But if you're concerned about what they'll think of your work ethic, or that's the issue they focus on, then it seems safe to frame it as you're you're an aspiring writer, and it's not just a hobby.

For if writing is a legitimate occupation that requires dedication and hard work, then you won't be regarded as lazy if you've spent your free time developing your craft.

I grew up in a working-class family, and ended up with a mindset that says work and pleasureable hobbies are two different things, that you can't have a job that's something you enjoy doing. That there's something wrong about being paid for what you like doing, or that's not how the world works, even though I constantly saw creative folks earning a living from that which they're passionate about.

My attitude has since changed, my perception of myself and the role I choose to have in society. The delightfully quirky thing is I used to work in the building industry. 15 years of mildly hard physical work that I was proud of and quite skilled at, knowing my efforts were contributing to the lives of the owners of the houses I worked on.

At the start of a new year, from a rather unusual previous 1 months, I was walking through the first house of this new year, in a surreal state of mind wondering what the hell I was doing in this pointless job. I was having yet another of my painful but beneficial existential crisis, the last 15 years hitting me like a ton of bricks.

I sat down for a few hours, contemplating my existence and my future, Made a decision that scared the hell out of me. Got up, left my expensive tools on site and vowed to never return to this type of work. With no new job organised or any plans for my future, I took a long holiday, culminating in a suicide attempt, and 12 months after that, cured my Depression and now I'm putting the finishing touches on the book of my adventure.

I'm on the verge of earning a living from that whch I'm deeply passionate about and consider is far more helpful to others than what I used to do. I think if you're passionate about something, and you dedicate your life to developing the skills necessary or hone your innate gifts in that field, folks will appreciate your contribution, your creations or efforts, and how society works, you can earn a living from it.

You give something of value to others, and reciprocity happens.

 

Family.

All my friends know I'm a writer. Or at least they would if I had any...

 

Lots of people know. A lot of my family, though I daresay I divorced the majority of my family this year, friends, my boyfriend knows (and is very supportive. He doesn't read at all, but he is always very eager to read what I write), and a lot of people on Facebook know (I do a lot of marketing on there). I see no reason to hide it, though I don't tell everyone I meet in the street.

 

Almost nobody! Family have no clue. A few friends and a work colleague. That’s it.

Planned to tell them once I’d started it properly and knew I’d finish, now it’s just become my little secret. Think I might even try and query it before telling anyone

 

So, earlier this month I sent one of my WIP to my mother. When I was a kid, she was my biggest supporter. She read all of my short stories and poetry and took them to work to show her coworkers and everything. She hasnt read my work since college when i started getting my short stories published. even then, I'd have to force her to read them via constant reminders to just shoving the book in her lap.

ANYWAYS.... I shared with her my WIP.
the end.
no comments on it.
I called her and asked her what she thought and she says "i still have a page left"
still no word. its been a week since she only had "a page left"


I'm of the mindset of: it doesn't even matter anymore.
My sister joked and said "show us when you actually get a book published" and i said "how am I supposed to do that if my own family wont even read my manuscript?"
and that shut her up.

its whatever, i guess..........