I'm a _____________.

I remember sitting across from photographer Cory VanderPloeg at our blog interview when I blurted out, "As a writer.." then I suddenly stopped myself and stuttered, "Well, uhh I mean I'm not a writer writer.."

He politely interrupted me and said, "You're sitting in front of me with a pen and you're writing. You're a writer." 

Why do I struggle to call myself a writer? Why does anyone downplay what they work towards? Is it because they haven't achieved the necessary accolades or moreover fat paycheck that is associated with their craft?

While I have yet to be published in an international glossy or write a best selling novel, I do write, a lot. I've written for many student run publications and online environments. I write in PR school everyday. I blog and continue to work on creative pieces.

Sometimes I get lazy. Sometimes I tell myself I'm a terrible writer. I get intimidated to pitch stories to bigger publications. I ask myself why did I choose this path? I'll never be the next [insert influential author/blogger/screenwriter/communicator here.]

Lately I've been reading a lot. I scour magazines, fiction, non-fiction, business books and other blogs to gain more knowledge and inspiration from other writers. 

Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot...reading is the creative center of a writer's life...you cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you." 

I love to write, and I will try to work harder and keep up with more regular blog posting. I will also try to  put myself out there more in my attempts to get published. I believe if you're working hard towards something, it will eventually pay off.

I hope to share some new writing projects with everyone soon. Until then: Read. Share. Talk. Learn. Work. Listen. Absorb. Create. Capture.

Try to improve your life's work everyday, whatever it may be.

Some rules to live by:
1. Do what you love & love what you do. 
2. Try & help others along the way.