Having a Book Published Does Not Necessarily Mean that I am a Writer

Since I am the author of a published novel, I could tell people that I am a writer. There would be nothing wrong with that; however, I choose not to. Why?

I drive a car, but do not refer to myself as a driver. That title is more appropriately applicable to chauffeurs and NASCAR racers. Occasionally, I will post a review of a book I've read on a literary website, but I do not refer to myself as a reviewer. That title is usually utilized to describe established professionals who are contracted by a newspaper or magazine to review books. I cook my own meals, but I never refer to myself as a cook. That title is bestowed upon those whose skills are utilized by restaurants to provide meals for its customers. As previously mentioned, I wrote a novel, but do not refer to myself as a writer. I personally believe that title should be reserved for those who have garnered significant notoriety and whose writing generates sufficient income to provide for a fairly decent standard of living.

Rather than laying claim to the title Writer, I'll wait until certain others - the general reading public, professional literary critics and successful authors - bestow it upon me. It is highly unlikely that will ever actually happen, but if it does, then I will tell people that I am a writer.