Why Saying "I’m a Writer" Might Be the Most Powerful Answer You Never Thought Of

Why Saying "I'm a Writer" Might Be the Most Powerful Answer You Never Thought Of

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On a recent layover flight to Oslo, on my way home from a writing retreat, I sat beside a woman who was traveling for work. We were exchanging stories when she eventually asked, “What do you do?”

“I’m a writer,” I replied.

“Oh, like for a company? Or freelance?”

My brain paused.

I don’t have an employer. Do I say “freelance”? But that word gives the impression I write for clients. And while I do that now and then, a bigger chunk of my income actually comes from my own writing.

“I’m… Well, I have my own writing business…” I faltered. Then, thinking she might interpret it as working in publishing, I immediately added, “I make money from my own writing.”

My answer sounded clunky. Most people don’t say, “I make money by consulting on strategic initiatives” or “I make money by analyzing financial data.” They simply say “I’m a consultant” or “I’m an analyst.”

She thought for a moment. “Are you like, an author?”

“I have a book, yes, I’m an author,” I continued faltering.

What she really meant, of course, was:

“Are you someone famous enough to make lots of money from their books and I just haven’t heard of you? What is your REAL job?”

How do I explain that yes, I have modest book sales, but because my book is literary fiction and I’m not a BookTok-viral author, my book sales are just enough for café expenses?

  • That I earn more from articles, newsletters, and digital products related to writing?
  • That I just came from an international writing retreat where I was funded to attend?

I suppose the real reason it’s hard to answer her question is because most people assume that “writers” are either super famous authors who make millions off their books, or B2B, SaaS, branding and marketing copywriters who make money either as employees or freelance digital nomads with no health insurance.

That’s why people have this unspoken expectation that when you say, “I’m a writer,” you’re supposed…

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