Professional Writer? You Are Now A Public Figure, So Act Like It!

Writing is a strange profession. For many writers, this is a solitary life. They sit in the comforts of their home, behind their computer screens and their only friends are the characters they are creating

on that page. Their social life are the parties and meetings their characters attend. Their fashion sense comes down to the comfy sweats.

For many of these writers, interacting with others may be tough. They can probably talk to their writing friends about characters and plotting, but carrying on a normal conversation becomes difficult. Let's face it, when you spend 3-6 hours a day writing, your mind is only focused on one thing.

But, here is the thing. When you become a professional writer, you have now become a public figure. People will expect to see you and hear from you. They will expect that if they ask you questions about your career, they want answers. They want you to be that professional writer that you claim to be.

Unfortunately, too many authors, when they finally make it and finally become that "published author" they change. Too many seem to think they are "above" others. Too many feel that they can do whatever they want simply because they are a "Best Selling Author."

I have always been frustrated with authors who, prior to being published, did everything they could to help other authors, help their writing chapters and writing organizations, and making sure they were making every attempt to be a professional. But then that changed. They quit attending the chapter meetings because "those are only focused on those who are still trying to make it." They quit judging contests because, "It gets in the way of their writing." And yet, they forget when they were starting out how much they appreciated those few authors who did provide that guidance.

Lately, I have seen a lot of these "established" or "professional" writers using that title and, for lack of a better word, get political. No, I am not talking about simply Republicans and Democrats. I am, however, talking about politically charged things happening in the publishing world. Sure, they might feel they are "the voice of the writers" but the reality of the situation is that, in many cases, they are just ranting about their own personal problems but trying to make it sound like it is an industry issue.

I would also have to add, and this goes along with the things I have talked about in the last couple of days, being a professional includes "acting professional in public."

So, please take the time to check what you are doing today. Are you being a professional?