Writer vs. Author

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m just gonna say it. I’m tired. I know. I know. I just got back from a Hawaiian vacation, but I’m not really even talking about being physically tired. I’m mentally tired.

As a wife, mom, and writer I can be juggling as many as 10-100 situations per day. Well, maybe 100 is an exaggeration, but it sure feels that way most days.

I was thinking yesterday about being a writer versus being an author. Are they two different things? I think so.

To me, a writer conjures up images of quiet moments journaling while sipping coffee. Reading a lot. Talking long walks, going to local coffee shops and people watching, getting character ideas. Having story ideas float around in my head until I weave words on the page and make them real.

An author is the business side of things. Making deadlines and To Do lists. Writing emails, checking in on social media. Formatting books and preparing them for publication.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I miss being a writer. I’ve had to be an author quite a bit lately and although that’s awesome, I miss the writer side.

I’m working on Book 3 in my Men Of Honor series and, quite honestly, I’m finding it hard to balance the writer and the author. The author in me needs to get Book 2 out there soon (I’m super excited. I love that book.) But the writer in me needs and wants to write.

Being a writer and author isn’t what it used to be. My mom is a writer and when she was doing it full-time she had a publicist and a full marketing team behind her all supplied by the publishing house. Now, that’s not the case. Social media is here (a fabulous tool for authors but one that requires attention) and the world of publishing is a whole different animal.

I’m not complaining. I’m really not. I LOVE what I do. Love it. It’s exciting, fun, creative. I WANT to be in my office. And I know what a blessed thing that is. I don’t take it for granted.

But I’m needing balance. To get back to where I am more writer than author. Yes, the author needs attention. But there IS no author without the writer.

So, I’m gonna go to my writing cave now… See you all a little later.