I’ve been thinking a lot this week about what it means to be a writer, and what it means to be a blogger. And I suppose the question of the day is: which am I?
I have no problem telling people that I write, but I always hesitate to say, “I’m a writer.”
Why is that? I guess it’s always because I’m scared of the follow-up question: “Oh, you’re a writer? What do you write?”
……
Sheepishly, I typically smile and tell people about my blog, and about The Violet, and about how sometimes I write for nothing and just save it in a word doc on my computer. They smile back, and regardless of what they’re really thinking, I always assume they are thinking that I’m not actually a writer.
Are all bloggers writers? Are all writers bloggers? I guess some people blog with minimal writing, and some people write with minimal blogging. If I want to be a writer, does that mean I have to write books? Or write for magazines? Can I be a writer if I only write on this blog? Or does that make me a blogger, and not a writer?
I can hear myself going down the rabbit hole.
Sometimes I find myself wishing I was a real writer, with a real project outside of this blog that consisted of nothing but stringing words together. Like a (short) book, or a magazine column. Something with credibility that I could point to and be like, Look people! I’m a real writer! I wrote that! It’s so legit!
But then I think if I did have a project such as that, what would happen to my blog? How would I write here and write there? What would I say all the time? My life isn’t even interesting! Yesterday I blogged about poop for crying out loud.
The truth is: I love writing, and I hope someday I’ll have the balls to call myself a writer, regardless of whether I’m writing a blog or a book or a miscellaneous article for a miscellaneous publication.
The other truth is: I love blogging. And I love blogging for more than just writing, I love blogging for the community. A few weeks ago, a student from Sac State interviewed me for a paper she was writing about blogging. She asked me point blank: “Why do you blog?” I started rambling about all sorts of things, but eventually came to a very simple conclusion: I blog for the me too’s. I blog for the community, and for the total strangers who e-mail me and say, “Hey, thanks for writing that today. I feel that way too.” The amazing thing about this relationship, this bond, this connection between strangers, is that it goes both ways—from me to you and from you to me. Like when I wrote about Everett being breech, and three mothers reached out to me: “My baby was breech! Call me! Let’s talk about it! I’ll tell you everything!” I never went to the birthing class that discussed c-sections. I never even cracked open a book, or researched c-sections on the Internet. I talked to three women, asked all my questions, and walked into that hospital on May 7th feeling like I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. And guess what? Now I’m the breech baby/scheduled c-section expert. Well, not expert, but now people are asking ME what to expect. That’s community. A place to share information and ask questions and find answers and challenge, inspire, and encourage one another. That’s what I want in a blog, and it’s taken me almost four years of blogging to recognize it.
My friend Lesley (who is most definitely a writer, and a good one!) recently wrote about blogging for passion and purpose, and in it, she created a blog mission statement. I loved reading her thoughts, and was instantly inspired to write my own as well. With that, I give you my blog mission statement:
Where my heart resides is a community that exists to inspire, encourage, and bring joy to people through the art of honest storytelling and beautiful photos. Topics will range from marriage and motherhood to faith and friendship, with a focus on embracing life as a twenty-something.
Q: Are you a writer or a blogger? Or both? I’d love to know your thoughts on the difference…
I think you can without a doubt call yourself a writer. Everybody, who loves and embraces the written word, is a writer to me.
I (used to) write a lot of (long!) letters…. can I call myself a writer if I send many written pages to only ONE other person as my audience? I’d like to think so!
San´s last [type] ..A trip to Tahoe
I like that definition: everybody who loves and embraces the written word is a writer. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing!
I am most definitely not a writer – I think that’s why this year I’ve gravitated towards YouTube. I would much rather talk for seven minutes than spend hours on a blog post that I’ll probably think is dumb by the end. ; )
I do, however, really understand the need to feel legitimate. I’m always second guessing myself because a lot of my hobbies don’t feel legitimate when compared to other people’s. I try to remind myself daily of something I read by Gretchen Rubin – “I can choose what I do, but I can’t choose what I like to do.”
You, my friend, are touching people with your words right here on Where My Heart Resides. It doesn’t get more legitimate than that. ; ) xx
ashleyTIA´s last [type] ..The one with the fall roundup.
Would you believe me if I said I still have not read either of Gretchen Rubin’s books? I KNOW. They are both on my reading list. I love that quote!
Can I also just say….I have the utmost respect for you and your videos, Ash. I know how vulnerable I feel writing sometimes and I’m sure making videos (especially the ones where you start off without makeup on!) feels just as, if not more, vulnerable. I love watching you talk because I feel like I know you so well, even though we’ve never met! You’ve got real talent, and I think you’re absolutely beautiful (inside and out, obviously).
Ahh I love this post. (And your blog and The Violet, for the record – having just discovered both this week!) This sums it up perfectly for me: “I love writing, and I hope someday I’ll have the balls to call myself a writer, regardless of whether I’m writing a blog or a book or a miscellaneous article for a miscellaneous publication.”
I go through this same internal struggle, dilemma, debate … feeling sheepish that “all” I write, right now, is my blog and a few postings for other people’s blogs. I don’t make money off it and I don’t have much in my portfolio and I sometimes feel embarrassed to call myself a writer. But I AM one, all the same, and always have been, as the mountains of notebooks I went through in my childhood and teen years can attest. And the endless notebooks and Google Drive files I’m still filling up!
And I’m a blogger, too, although I think not all bloggers are writers (and certainly, not all writers are bloggers!). I don’t think my blog will ever be big and famous, but it’s something I enjoy, and that is largely for the community aspect of it, like you mentioned. I want to develop that kind of community on my blog too. Some of the people I’ve met through blogging have become dear friends and I love that about this medium.
Sorry for the ramble. It’s the writer in me!
Jacki´s last [type] ..Embracing Domesticity
Hi Jacki! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Let’s both get some balls and start calling ourselves writers this week, shall we?
You are welcome to ramble on this blog anytime you like.
I love your mission statement…There’s nothing surprising about it. It’s perfect. It’s YOU. You already are living this mission statement.
I’m so thankful you reminded me about writing for the “me toos.” That’s the thrill, right? You totally nailed it.
Also, I’m only slightly jealous that you can still write for 20 somethings, when I am now officially a 30 something.
p.s. I love your photos. One of these days if I ever get my act together, I need some lessons.
Lesley´s last [type] ..Dear Lance Armstrong
I agree with Lesley! Love the mission statement. When I first started “reading” you girls I thought to myself “Man, they are such great writers! I wish I could write like that!” Don’t say that your everyday isn’t interesting or worth writing about. The everyday is precious! I have spent years lamenting my boring everyday, but then I remember that my two favorite writers essentially wrote about the everyday – LM Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott (Anne of Green Gables and Little Women). Years from now our “everyday” will be inspiring. Actually, I’m pretty sure our – yours, mine, Lesley’s – everyday inspires today!
Claire´s last [type] ..Finding My Place
Thanks for inspiring me to WRITE a mission statement. That felt good to write.
p.s. Happy to give you picture-taking lessons, anytime.
I’m both! There is definitely a difference between the two, and I love the unique things that each of them bring. With writing, there is opportunity to create something concrete, thought-provoking and inspiring. With blogging, you hit the nail on the head with community. I love the connectedness that blogging brings, and the sense of accomplishment that writing brings. Hence, I think I shall always do both
Natalie Lynn Borton´s last [type] ..a first-rate version
When I read this comment, I realized that you, Natalie, are one of the few people I know who have clearly defined yourself as both a writer and a blogger. You actually have two very distinct voices, your “blogger” voice and your “writer voice”….and I really like that about you. I know when I read your pieces in Darling and The Conversation, they are deeper than your blog content. Likewise, I know when I read your blog content, it is lighter and always fun to read. Keep doin what you’re doin, girl!
Love this post! It reminds me of the people that have doubts about calling themselves a “runner”. I think you’re writer! You write, you love to write, and you’re amazing at writing.
Caroline´s last [type] ..Thankful thursday {2}
Thanks Caroline, really appreciate it!
The problem is that all these terms can overlap. People think you have to be one or the other. You can be several things. Writer is a very broad term. It’s based off the verb “writing.” People who regularly engage in the verb “writing” are writers. Same with people who are “runners” but are like “Oh, no, I’m not a real runner.” Dude, if you run, you’re a runner. If you write, you’re a writer. It doesn’t matter what it is. Blog, articles, ad copy, Hallmark cards. It’s all writing.
And then there are the actual publications themselves. Blogs. Magazines. Newspapers. Advertisements. Websites. If you write a blog, you are a writer. If you write a column for a newspaper, you are a writer. If you write for the Business Section of the New York Times, you are a writer. But a writer for a newspaper column is not the same as a journalist for the New York Times. They have different standards. Some writers have editors. Some are allowed to include their opinion. Some have to remain unbiased. Some write fiction. Sometimes things are mixed, where you become a commentator, which is a mix between providing facts and opinion.
All writers. Different kinds of writers.
P.S. I love your mission statement. Beautiful.
Allison´s last [type] ..The CB Diet Week #8: Healthy Living with Depression
You’re right – “writer” is a very broad term, which I think is why people tend to ask, “So, what do you write?” I’m working on developing more confidence with that question and answer. Loved reading your thoughts!
i don’t think all bloggers are writers – I think I am a bit of both. I think I started off writing-but now do a bit of both. My favourite blogs are written by writers- posts full of beautiful, touching words- rather than those filled with outfit posts, giveaways and the such.
robyn´s last [type] ..Coming back
I agree – the few blogs I do read on a consistent basis are ones that are written by strong writers. Although I will say, as a writer (look at me, I called myself a writer!), it is nice to break up blog posts with lighter content sometimes. I will never let those types of posts overshadow my writing, but sometimes writers need a break!
Writers write. It doesn’t matter if you write as a hobby or as a career. A writer is someone who writes! A blogger is a writer; it’s a more defined term for the type of writing you do. Just like the terms novelist, poet, and columnist indicate what type of writer you are. It’s the same with blogger. You’re a writer who writes a blog! And a darn good one, too.
“Writers write. It doesn’t matter if you write as a hobby or as a career. A writer is someone who writes!”
Yes!!! Let’s all remember this definition when we’re feeling that self doubt … I love it
Jacki´s last [type] ..The Chill
I love this. Writers write. It’s so simple. Thanks Laura.
I started blogging to write. I love writing. I think if you find enjoyment and passion in writing, then sure call yourself a writer. I don’t raise my eyebrow at anyone who says they’re an artist if they play a musical instrument or paint or something. However, I get the hesitancy to claim the title writer. Perhaps the distinction between writers and those who write is similar to chefs and those who cook? I don’t know.
Blogging is the medium for most of my writing now. Is it low brow? Maybe some people see it that way. But these are my words and my platform. Blogging allows me a chance to engage with readers. That communication is lost sometimes with writers (unless they visit readers or in a writing group or class).
Smallgood´s last [type] ..Where Our Story Begins
I agree with you about engaging with readers. Sometimes I think that is the biggest difference between “blogging” and “writing” – it almost seems like one talks WITH people and one talks AT people. Both are good, both are useful, both are inspiring….but they are different!
Writer, blogger, photographer, mother, artist, friend, wife, daughter, cleaner-of-poop, lover-of-go-girls…. you are all of these things and a heck of a lot more. And I think that is something to be proud of and hold on to.
Also – I feel this way constantly. I definitely don’t refer to myself as a writer/photographer. But my friends and family remind me that this is what I do, so I actually can call myself those things and be proud of that And while I find myself hesitant to point to The Violet as what I do for some unknown reason, I’ve started to do it more, because it makes it more real. It makes me have more respect for it and for the work and passion that I put into it. And it makes others respect it more as well. And hey, once you say that you are something, you become it. I think it’s pretty awesome that we get to define who we are and what we do. So let’s start saying we run an awesome and successful women’s magazine. We write things, we photograph things, and we sometimes share those things with a wonderful community of people online. And so it shall be.
I love this post – I love blogging – and I love the “me-toos”.
I really appreciate your honesty and reflections here.
xo
Love this sentiment, and love what we talked about on Saturday re: becoming more confident in our roles with The Violet. How are people ever going to respect what we do until we respect it ourselves? Love you, friend.
I feel like you read my mind! I’m also hesitant to call myself a writer (to others) and wish I had something legit to back it up. It’s silly because my blog is legit but perhaps because it’s not my career, I have trouble labelling myself that way. I’m keen to say ‘I’m a teacher’ even though I haven’t taught in 2.5 years but struggle with ‘I’m a writer’ when I do it every day.
Jay´s last [type] ..Why Do You Read?
You are a writer. You write in a blog. Many people read it and love it. It’s a wonderful way to share your gift of writing with others, whether it’s published or not!
If you ever wrote a book I would read it, regardless of the topic. You have a gift of making simple things interesting to read about.
Thanks Jaime
I think you’re definitely a writer! You write, people read it (and love reading it!) so I definitely think you’re a writer.
I have written and published two books, and I also have a blog. I do sometimes find myself saying I’m a writer AND a blogger, I think because I’m nervous of the you’re-not-a-real-writer judgement that often comes with telling someone you’re a blogger, but I definitely consider myself a writer.
You have far more viewers and fans than I do, so if I’m a writer? You’re a writer.
=]
Sarabell´s last [type] ..Step Into My Office…
I didn’t realize you had published two books! Bravo!!! Call me impressed.
Why can’t you be both? You contribute for a magazine AND a blog, so I think you fall somewhere in between. Maybe it’s a hybrid; wrogger? Bliter?
Christine´s last [type] ..That Little Thing Called Reverse Culture-Shock
Haha. This made me laugh. Both of those hybrid titles sound horrible. I think I’ll stick to writer
Ashlee,
Thank you so much for this! I am a new follower, and not only do I adore your writing but also admire your transparency and insight. I aspire to be both a writer and a blogger- and never have quite mustered up the courage for either! But your observations on the “me too” phenomenon that blogging facilitates really resonates with me. Blogging is such a wonderful way to share with others.
Your post has inspired to begin blogging- today! Thank you!
Hooray! Come back and share your link with me so I can check it out.
You’re a great writer. Many people who call themselves writers are pretty bad at it (they have good editors). I admire your story-telling abilities and the way you draw people into your life. I was taking journalism classes during a time when blogging was just emerging, and I grew to really hate it. Now that every teenager in the world has a blog, my immediate response is NO- not everyone is a “writer.” (Who the heck am I to say?) Your blog is honestly the only one I read. It’s very addicting and I think you have every right to call yourself a writer.
Thanks Laur. Really, really appreciate that. p.s. WE MISS YOU!!!
Very inspiring. I struggle with the same thing — how much of my life has to be taken up with writing before I can call myself a writer? I think my biggest problem with calling myself a writer is that I don’t feel like a writer. I mean, Ernest Hemingway was a writer. J. K. Rowling is a writer. I’m just a girl who puts words together for fun and occasionally gets paid for it. But why are there varying levels of “writers”? Just because someone isn’t Lance Armstrong shouldn’t stop that person from calling him/herself a cyclist, should it? I think that if writing is something that takes up a good portion of your life and time, then you’re a writer. You might be a lot of other things too, but you are a writer. Love the focus of and ideas in this post. I’ve been thinking about many of the exact same things lately. <3
LfT´s last [type] ..Changes to the #cbdiet.
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Thank you again for letting me interview you, Ashlee!
I think you just gave me some more content for my paper! 
Kellie´s last [type] ..10 things I loved in September
Ha! Is it weird that I really want to read your paper when you’re finished with it? Because I do. I will totally give you an A+.
i would like to be a writer one day.
i blog and write on my blog but like you i don’t feel this counts as legitimate writing but maybe i will one day get the confidence to be like i am a writer and not self doubt myself or try and guess others’ reactions and thoughts
Lottie´s last [type] ..a baby bump: 34 weeks
Here is my garbled take on this – writers are artists. We (yes I said we) create something through the written word. We express feelings and hopes and sometimes qualities of products (I do freelance ad writing, it’s writing too!)
And that is the beauty of the arts. You don’t need a qualification to be what you are. You dance – you’re a dancer. You sing – you can call yourself a singer. You paint – you are a painter. You write – you are a writer. After all, with concepts that are so fluid, we should be given the chance to define ourselves. After all – who knows us better than ourselves (except our mothers. They know too much)
You are a writer for sure
I understand your point of view. There is a huge difference between blogger and writer because like you stated, some people have minimal writing on there blogs with possibly more pictures and just quick written post, which doesn’t necessarily make them writers. Style bloggers would be considered bloggers, but not writers, unless they like to write about fashion. In essence, they are writers. I consider myself to be a writer, because I write…everything….from stort stories, to poems, to blog articles, etc. so I feel that the statement is fitting for me personally. However, just because someone writes, doesn’t make them a writer.
“I write for the me toos”
Perfect.
The End.
Krystle´s last [type] ..…And in that moment, I swear we were INFINITE
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I’m a writer {as in trained as a journalist, editor} but now {with my two little girls at home with me} I mostly blog, and do the ocassional freelance writing work. Regardless of training and what you get paid to do, I think you can call yourself a writer. You have a dedicated community who reads your work {and keeps coming back}, you write beautifully and with purpose. A lot of “writers” don’t have that. And that is what writing is about, in my opinion. Great post, and love your mission statement. Elisa xx
Elisa {With Grace & Eve}´s last [type] ..Finding joy
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