October 7 question – When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

This month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group question is a head-scratcher for me. Currently, I work for the public library, because that’s my full time job. Before that, I spent time freelance writing. I made a lot more money writing for SMB than writing fiction. No contest, really.

When I think working writer, I mostly think of writers doing just that – writing for their bread and butter. I’m definitely not a working writer. I greatly respect those who are. It’s not an easy job, I know!

I don’t think of myself as an aspiring writer or a hobbyist, either. Writing is still my passion, now more than ever, but I’ve shifted to a) journaling and b) occasional bursts of creative sharing. I’m no longer looking to get paid for what I write, to make a living off it. I’m not aspiring to anything. It would be nice, but it’s not really my end goal anymore.

At the same time, I wouldn’t call this a hobby. That word has a connotation of me not taking this work seriously. I take my writing very seriously. It’s an extension of who I am, the closest I know to pouring out my heart and soul.

I’m not entirely sure what category to file that under. As with many things in the writing life, I feel like there’s a public-facing side where what I think doesn’t matter so much. On that level, what do *other* people say about me? What kind of writer-label would others put on me?

You tell me.

Personally, I would simply say that I am a “writer.” Of that one thing I am certain. Do you know how I know? Because I write. And that’s what writers do.