I am a writer but.....

I am a writer. I have always considered myself a writer. If you have been following my blog then you know how much I enjoy, no LOOOOVE writing. Despite my love for the craft I recently had to ask myself this If I am a writer, how come I haven't written anything in so long?? If I am a writer, how come I have not posted anything on my blog in months? Then I had to dig deep and question myself “Stacy, are you really a writer?”

“Stacy, are you really a writer?”

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I began my blog on Thanksgiving of 2009. I have read other blogs and heard about the “blogosphere” but did not know if I wanted to really be a part of it. I initially began this blog as a personal journal. It was meant to just be an overview of my thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Then I began noticing how other “bloggers” were able to really excel off of their blog; book deals, magazines positions, so forth and so forth. In my quest to be the “young professional”, I attempted to do the same thing. I wanted that fame and glory but I did not realize the hard work and consistency it took. You really have to put work in as a writer to be known and get noticed. There are no days when you’re apathetic and think “Oh, I don’t feel like writing today.” If those days exist as a writer you have to get over them. There are no days when you feel “I am so tired… my life is so busy…. I just can’t write today.” My counterparts had this ambition I did not have; or so I thought. Then I aimed to make this blog a collection of my thoughts and feelings but concluded I could also incorporate more social causes and issues. I am a social worker; the title is in the name of the blog so I need to write more about social issues. I accomplished that goal (to the best of my ability). Then I had my ‘Ah-ha’ moment. I realized I was chasing other people’s destiny. I was trying to break into their niche. I was coveting thy neighbor’s stuff.

My purpose when I began writing publicly was never to gain fame or following. I just wanted to share my feelings. Then when Isaw the success of my counterparts (the real bloggers) I wanted to do the same. I wanted to be a relationship, humor, non-profit blogger, and so many more. Sometimes it became overwhelming because I was trying to do what others were doing; yet it just was not right. I realized I did not have my own niche, I was not being authentically StacyAustralia.

In this quest, I had the opportunity to write for 2 other blogs. It is amusing but at that point I felt I had 3 different voices across the blogs. The writings I posted on the first blog were more humorous, something quirky to make you laugh and discuss amongst your friends then carry on with your day. The writings for the other blog were more thought-provoking personal experiences/reflections. Lastly, was my personal blog which was my heart and soul. Even though this blog was my heart and soul, I know I did not do enough to help it reached its maximum capacity. Initially, I was writing blog posts every day. I would write them then have schedule for positing throughout the week. I stay up all night writing and researching things I wanted to write about.  It was so many days I watched the sun come up because I was up all night writing. It was just that serious for me. It was everything to me. After much trial and error, I found my niche. My niche is just being StacyAustralia. No one can be me like I can be me. Trying to do what my peers were doing did not work for me.  Honestly, I did not care about some of the topics they were writing about, but because of the buzz it had on Twitter or Facebook, I wanted to write about it as well. Seriously, how many times can we talk about the status of young African American male/female relationships? Really?

As I mentioned before, one thing about being a writer- you have to put in your time. This has been one of the biggest obstacles I have struggled with since I had the various life changes over the last year.  Sometimes I just do not have the time and/or energy to write. But if I do not take the time to hone my skills or take the time to share how I feel and what I think- how can I call myself a writer? These are my thoughts, my feelings, my words and no one else can write them for me. No one else can jump into my head and write down on paper how I feel. I have to put in the work. It does not matter if I am maintaining my blog, writing a book, starting a side hustle-I MUST PUT IN THE WORK. If I claim this is my dream, my passion, my purpose, my God-given gift then I must treat it as such and commit.

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Within the time I began this blog and the time I became serious about carrying the title ‘writer’, I have had so many opportunities to present myself as one. As mentioned in previous posts, I finally finished writing my book. In October of last year, I decided to write a book. I been a ‘writer’ since I was a child and it was something I always wanted to do. I have written several poems and short stories but never an actual book. I struggled with what I wanted to write about. I decided my first book was going to be a semi-memoir/self-help for young girls and women. I know the experiences I have had throughout my life and the choices I have made both good and bad.  I am still editing the book with plans to have it published within the next few months.  In addition to this book, I have a poetry book I am working on as well. These are just some of my personal endeavors I am currently working on.  I have also had several coworkers and classmates ask me to help them on several projects including editing a self-published book, a dissertation, and cover letters/resumes. As a writer, the opportunities are there for me to write. The opportunities have always been there for me to write. God has continuously given me second, third, and fourth chances to utilize my talent. I cannot emphasize enough how much I love writing. It has been my passion (along with teaching-but that is another post) since I was a child. It is the one thing that brings me happiness and it does not take much work or effort to accomplish it. I am a writer.

Just know that if I am not working on something within my blog, I am working on something behind the scenes (now I need to figure out how to get paid for it….).