I read an article on The Renegade Writer about the seven differences between being a writing fangirl or a real writer by Linda Formichelli.
The point of her article is that ‘fanfolk’ spend more time acting the part of a writer than actually writing. Real writers on the other hand, write.
Of the seven differences she outlines, number 4 hit a nerve in all the right spots.
Anyone looking at you, with your exclamation point tattoo and “Writer at Work” doorknob hanger, would think you are a writer. But…are you actually writing? Don’t delude yourself: A collection of quill pens does not a writer make. – Linda Formichelli
Note: I don’t have an exclamation point tattoo. If you’re gonna go there, go for an interrabang.
It’s the difference between a person who wears a thousand-dollar tracksuit to sit on the couch and another person who hits the pavement for a five-mile run every morning.
I have a confession.
Without knowing it, I was a creative writing fangirl for years.