by Miranda Miller-Smith

Created on: March 21, 2009

I am a writer. It is my passion. I love what I do, and have never had such a rewarding career. I began writing poems and short stories as a child. I was creative and constructive. I dreamed of publishing my own children's books, then I grew up, got a job and gave up on my passion for a while.

The life of a writer can be complicated. I feel reclusive at times because if I am not stuck indoors typing away, I am not earning money. I have dealt with more than my fair share of jealousy and bitterness on the subject. I have been told "I can't respect you because you earn your money sitting on your butt while I am out breaking my back for my paycheck." I try to remind myself daily that I should not feel bad because I have a job that I enjoy, and not everyone is cut out to write. You must be able to take criticism as a writer. Articles are rejected, readers will contact you just to be negative and hateful.

Not every article I write pleases everyone. If I write a business review that isn't glowing, I am prepared for the hatred of regular customers of that specific shop. If I write an opinion piece sure enough someone will track me down online and give me their opinion. Sometimes that is a good thing but usually it is not.

I am grateful that I live in a part of the world where everyone has the right to voice their opinions and share their experiences. I like knowing that I can exercise my right to freedom of speech and share information and opinions with anyone who cares to read what I have written. Knowledge is power. Having the power to share that knowledge is utterly priceless.

To be a writer is more than having an ability to put words on paper, to be a writer is a continuous adventure and growing experience. To be a writer is to believe in yourself and your abilities and to dare to dream. I think anyone who writes for a living is a brave individual. To have that much faith in yourself, to put yourself out there, and to learn from your experiences is not something everyone can do. It takes a special person to be a writer. As long as there is an interest in reading there will be a need for writers, and to hear the call of a pen and blank sheet of paper and ignore it is a near sin in my opinion.

Being a writer is just like any other job except in one aspect: It is more fulfilling and rewarding than your average job. While writers might not make as much cash, they do make a difference by sharing their thoughts, feelings, experiences and opinions with anyone who cares to read what they have written.

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