I’m a Real Writer

It’s amazing how hard it can be to admit to myself that I’m a real writer. I mean, I’ve written several books (one of which has been published), several short stories (some of which have been published) and edited a book (which has been published). I’m even being paid regular royalties which, by definition, even makes me a professional writer.

Today, though, I feel like a writer. I even feel like a professional writer.

What has changed?

Well, as you may know, I attended When Words Collide last weekend. For those of you who don’t know, WWC is a literary festival for readers and writers held every August. I launched Mik Murdoch, Boy Superhero last year and this year we did a reading for A Method to the Madness: A Guide to the Super Evil.

I participated in five different panels, spent time working the IFWA (Imaginative Fiction Writers Association) table in the dealers’ room AND…I talked to a LOT of different people. I think it was the combination of all those things tha has helped me to turn the corner to where I can accept that I truly am a writer.

People came up to me and congratulated me on my Prix Aurora nomination and shortlisting for Mik Murdoch. That was a real ‘WOW’ moment for me. That means they are actually watching and paying attention (if you ARE watching and paying attention, thank you, btw).

People sought out my panels and listened to my fellow panellists and me talk about various topics. People searched me out and had me sign books for them too. I even had a number of people specifically look for me to say ‘hello’ and catch up.

I’m not sure why it took this long to really get my headspace into this place, but I think it finally has .

Personal Update

I haven’t done one of these in a while but there are some good things happening with my writing and creative endeavours.

1. Mik Murdoch: The Power Within, draft 1 (okay, really draft 2) is done. I’m editing it to send to Lorina (publisher) and Robert (editor)
2. Podcasting
3. Plotting GalaxyBillies 2 for Action Pack Podcast
4. Preparing Jack Kane and the Statue of Liberty for submission (got some interest in it during WWC)
5. Got a couple book reviews that I owe people
6. Marketing A Method to the Madness: A Guide to the Super Evil

There are other things, but they are much smaller scale.