It’s funny to give the whole writing thing a go. I know I’m reluctant to call myself anything beyond someone who “likes to write.” Using the word Author feels like the equivalent of calling 1st grade math “pre-algebra”. Unless Algebra has changed, my son’s worksheets seem a bit, well, elementary. I’m sure he’s building some connections for Algebra, but “pre-algebra” feels like a stretch.

When I think of authors, I think of book signings and chapters and reviews and amazon.com. I’m not there yet. I did co-author a children’s book called Richmond Rocks, which was a very fun experience. However, it was a self-published project, so it didn’t involve agents, contracts, publishers or sales plans, which hold hands with the word “author” in my mental playground.

Even “freelancer” seemed like too big of a word for me. Freelancers are artists and designers. They are people who create things that others are willing to pay for. Even though I’ve been paid for my writing since the first few months I got serious about this craft/hobby (crobby??), I still shy away from the word.

Yet as I prepare for my first writing conference, I realize it’s about time to own up to my love of writing. I think I can safely call myself a freelancer–a regular gig at a bunch of different sites means I could roll in all the pennies I’m making.

And maybe I could call myself a pre-author. Doing all I can to hone my writing skills, listen to God’s voice for the big ideas, and build my platform without being too annoying about it. Because there’s nothing more annoying than someone who wants to tell you all about their platform. Or even use that word in a social setting.

Except, of course, at a writing conference, where I’m thinking it will be safe to use all these writing words that still feel new in my mouth: craft, platform, freelance, one-sheets, pitches, contracts…and of course, pre-author. Hopefully my pre-authoring is a bit closer to the real deal than my son’s pre-algebraing.

Toni Morrison once said “If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

And so I continue.