This is a post for Tuesday at Ten, the weekly blog link-up, where Karen gives us a word or phrase to use in our writing. This week’s word is “Write.”

I AM A WRITER! AND AS A WRITER, I WRITE.

Until recently, when doing an online study of the book On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life That Lasts, by Ann Crocker and Charity Singleton Craig, I had a hard time identifying myself as a writer. But this was Habit #1 in the book. I identify myself as a writer.

To quote Ann Crocker from Chapter 1 of this book: “What makes a writer a writer? Is it about giftedness? Goals? Is it about output or a byline? If measured by output, does daily blogging count? Are you considered a writer only if you are published, even if you’ve turned out dozens of unpublished poems and essays? To be an official writer, does someone have to pay you for your work?”

The author continues: “I model intent and effort every day. I launch projects with intentions that require effort to complete. I plan, research, write, and edit, always seeking to improve. I prioritize these activities and commit to making them happen. Whether or not I earn a byline or paycheck, I continually demonstrate the intent and effort of a writer.”

After reading the above quotes, I was able confidently to say, I AM A WRITER. 

  
I may not write every day, but whenever circumstances allow, most days include some writing. I have committed to post at least one blog entry a week, even if my writing needs to be done with me resting in bed because of chronic pain or other physical issues. I also spend time weekly doing research, editing, and learning new things about writing skills. After several years of only writing occasionally, when time allowed, I have now made writing a priority.

So why do I write? First, I believe that God has called me to write, so to not write would be an act of disobedience. I also write because I believe I have a story that needs to be told, a story of God’s work in my life in spite of and even because of less than ideal circumstances.

  
I also write with the goal of bringing glory to God, as I share what He has done in my life and the lives of my family. And finally, I write because it’s part of my nature. To not write seems inconceivable to me!