You’re Not an Artist

I remember the moment vividly. Leaning against the kitchen table of the vacation rental in Maine, I said to an old friend, “I’m an artist.” The statement was laced with an undertone of humor, a nod to the distinct outlook differences from my past roles. After years of defining myself as an engineer, project manager, and volunteer, replacing these with the mantle of author and artist was like wearing new shoes—it required a break-in period.

 My friend’s response was swift and sharp. “You’re not an artist,” he shot back, his words dripped with judgment. “You’ve written a few things while trying to write a book. That doesn’t make you an artist.”

Ouch!

His words stung. I was hurt. Not just because of his dismissiveness but because they devalued the investment I’d poured into developing my craft and the emotional cost of creating my stories. Yet, at that moment, a seed of belief in my author identity began to sprout, even as doubt threatened to choke it like a stubborn weed.

Defining an Artist

In the wake of his comments, I found myself questioning the essence of what it means to be an artist. Question if I qualified as one. I turned to trusted sources for clarity.

Artist – A person who creates art—such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing—using conscious skill and creative imagination.

Merriam-Webster

Reimagining What it Means to be an Author

At the beginning of my journey, I shared many of the same concerns aspiring writers and the general public in general have about writing a book.

• The daunting volume of words required.
• The intricacies of grammar
• The nagging doubts if anybody would read what I wrote.

Most of my concerns grew from my school experiences. We all remember the torture of producing a five hundred or even one page essay in school. The red slashes across our work for every missing or incorrect usage of punctuation marks. Or the tedium of reading long, dry textbooks.

After spending decades writing for work, creating websites, and developing speeches, I shared the misconception that conveying my story was the easy part.

What I’ve learned on this journey was how mistaken my initial ideas were. How little I knew about the writing industry. And how much I didn’t understand about writing a good book.

Being an author is not just about putting words on paper. It’s a journey of self-discovery, delving into the depths of our hearts and minds. It’s about finding your voice and creating a unique blend of style, tone, and perspective that makes your writing engaging. It’s about honing your craft as a storyteller.

Writing as a Craft

Writers, like artists, are craftsmen. The work requires practice, patience, and persistence. But more than that, it requires a deep connection to your subject matter. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, your work should resonate with you on a personal level.

For me, this connection comes from my own experiences and emotions. My stories are not just tales spun from thin air; they are reflections of my thoughts, fears, and dreams. They are pieces of me, laid bare for the world to see.

Embracing Criticism as a Catalyst for Growth

Criticism is an inevitable part of being an author. Not everyone will understand or appreciate your work, and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond to that criticism. Do you let it define you, or do you use it as fuel to improve and grow?

My friend’s harsh words could have easily discouraged me. Instead, they became a catalyst for my growth. I realized that being an author is not about external validation; it’s about internal fulfillment. It’s about writing because you have something to say, something that only you can express.

I Am an Artist

So, what makes an author? It’s not just the act of writing but the journey of self-discovery, the dedication to craft, the resilience in the face of criticism, and the courage to create. It’s about finding your voice and using it to tell stories that matter.

As I reflect on my friend’s words, I realize he was wrong. I am an artist.