There's No Such Thing as an "Aspiring" Author

First of all, I hope everyone's Holiday went smoothly and with minimal drama. If not, I feel for you. If it went well, please don't rub it in.

Mine was better than expected. Being low on funds this year, my husband and I decided to forgo gifts for each other and concentrate on giving our 11 year old daughter an awesome Christmas. Her belief in Santa Claus is hanging on by a frayed and fragile thread and we figured we'd better make this Christmas count before all the fantasy and magic of Santa was a thing of the past.

Due to the Holidays, this blog has been neglected. Until now I was dreading to post, but now that all the hubbub is over, I have no excuses, so I sucked it up and here I am.

The aforementioned request for my full manuscript was rejected two days before Christmas. This is my twelfth official rejection, although this one hurts more than the rest. I felt that I had a pretty good connection with this agent, if not the potential for a blooming friendship. Our lighthearted communications were encouraging and gave me a glimpse into this person's personality. I crossed my fingers even tighter at the thought of acquiring such a wonderful agent.

His rejection letter was kind with a air of regret that he must reject my story. That in itself made me feel a little bit better, although I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever get the chance to work with an agent that was so personable and, for lack of a better word, normal.
It is with a heavy heart that I feel compelled to deliver this message to every aspiring author out there. Are you ready?

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN "ASPIRING" AUTHOR.

Yes, you heard me right and I hear you saying, "Well, I haven't been published yet. Therefore I am in the category of 'aspiring'."

Not true.

The truth of the matter is, if you have written anything, be it an epic novel or a limerick, and you intend to do it again, you are a writer. There's no "aspiring" about it. You've already done it.

When I finished my first novel, I hadn't yet decided whether or not to seek publication, but I knew one thing for sure: I had written a book, which is something most people only talk about. I did it and I loved it. I loved it so much that I decided to write another book and another and another. I am now working on my fifth book, but I am in the same swaying, rocking boat as all the first-time writers out there; the SS Author. We're in this together, you and I. Don't short-change yourself and don't let anyone tell you that you are less of an author simply because your story hasn't graced the bookstore shelves.

I say, welcome to Author-ship. (pun intended)