Why do I label myself: A writer? I don’t know if I do, really. If I do, then I shouldn’t. The thing most people want to know when meeting the first time is: Who are you? And: What do you do? The first question is easy to answer. I was allotted the name Francis Wall, though I always say, “My name is Frank.”
What do I do? Now, that is more difficult. If I prioritized my primary function, I’d answer, “Procreator.” But I never do. I feel a need to be dishonest. I know that the basic truth would label me a Prat. There’s also a need to impress. I therefore sometimes answer, “A writer.”
I’ve always been a writer, as I believe all literate people are, but somehow feel I’m an imposter as I have a certain image of what I consider a writer to be, and I’ve only been a ‘proper’ writer for a few years.
In the past I’ve labeled myself differently. Besides being a writer, I’ve also been a graphic designer, illustrator, copywriter, art director, portrait painter, sculptor, and businessman. I’ve used all those titles, but would usually say, “I’m in advertising.”
If I ever said, “I’m an artist,” some wise cracking friend would usually add, “Yeah, piss artist.”
I’ve been a picture framer, and have worked on building sites as a labourer. I’ve even made sausages in a factory. “This and that,” was how I label myself during those periods.
All that is in the past, the only thing I do now is write. I’m no longer in advertising; I no longer do this and that. But am I really a writer?
So, who are you? And what do you do?
What do I do? Now, that is more difficult. If I prioritized my primary function, I’d answer, “Procreator.” But I never do. I feel a need to be dishonest. I know that the basic truth would label me a Prat. There’s also a need to impress. I therefore sometimes answer, “A writer.”
I’ve always been a writer, as I believe all literate people are, but somehow feel I’m an imposter as I have a certain image of what I consider a writer to be, and I’ve only been a ‘proper’ writer for a few years.
In the past I’ve labeled myself differently. Besides being a writer, I’ve also been a graphic designer, illustrator, copywriter, art director, portrait painter, sculptor, and businessman. I’ve used all those titles, but would usually say, “I’m in advertising.”
If I ever said, “I’m an artist,” some wise cracking friend would usually add, “Yeah, piss artist.”
I’ve been a picture framer, and have worked on building sites as a labourer. I’ve even made sausages in a factory. “This and that,” was how I label myself during those periods.
All that is in the past, the only thing I do now is write. I’m no longer in advertising; I no longer do this and that. But am I really a writer?
So, who are you? And what do you do?