“You’re a writer?”
Has anyone else had this happen to them?
You’re in a nice conversation with someone you’ve just met and he or she asks what you do for fun/for a job/for money/etc. You politely reply something along the lines of, “Oh, I’m a writer.” Then it’s as if the air around you changes. Whether you get a nervous glance toward the writing equipment you’re holding or a nervous laugh, there’s still some sort of unsure reaction.
More times than I can count, I’ve been treated not badly because I’m a writer, but definitely differently than before people found out I’m a writer. No matter where I am, when I have my notebook and pen out, I glance up to see stretched necks and curious eyes. I could always read the thoughts going on in their minds: “What’s she writing about?” When we’ve been introduced, the expression is one of “Is she writing about me?”
The fear/fascination factor surrounding the writer is a strange thing, in my opinion, but one that has given me a good laugh more than once.
Write on, writers, and do it in public when you can. 
November 13th, 2006 at 11:04 pm
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to stop replying, “I don’t know. What have you read?” whenever anyone finds out I’m a writer and asks the inevitable question, “Have I ever read anything you’ve written?”
I saw a funny t-shirt somewhere — wish I’d bought it — says, “Careful! You might just end up in my next novel!”
November 14th, 2006 at 2:28 am
Hey you! I’d love to have that shirt; it would save me threatening people with that. Hehe.
I’d forgotten about that question, but for me it’s one of the later questions, not the first.
*hugs!*
November 14th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Well…does being a blogger count? I constantly have a notebook and pen to hand…
I suppose that it’s all in how you define yourself.
November 14th, 2006 at 4:46 pm
Being a blogger completely counts! As long as you’re putting words to paper/screen.
November 15th, 2006 at 10:00 am
I’ve personally never once answered “I’m a writer”! I’ve never seen myself as such even though I’ve written short stories and poetry for years. And am now a bona fide blogger. Do you think it’s about time I admitted I’m a wordsmith?
Nice observations, it’s preparing me for the reaction I might get
November 16th, 2006 at 11:01 am
Oh, that’s an incredibly powerful thing–watching someone’s anxiety rise…in that moment it’s almost as if you can dictate their next move…for those of us with voyeuristic tendencies, it’s a wonderful trick!
Ask away!
November 16th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Must say, I’ve never had the reaction, but then when I think about it, I don’t write in public - it’s a bit of a solitary vice with me.
Also, I can’t recall ever saying ‘I am a writer’ as I haven’t had anything published - the most I’ve said is ‘I want to be a writer.’
November 16th, 2006 at 10:49 pm
You’re a writer when you decide to start saying you’re a writer. Be you blogger or novelist, published or unpublished.
That’s my opinion anyway.
Plus, it’s fun to get all the weird reactions. Hehe.
November 17th, 2006 at 1:04 am
Its a beautiful feeling to feel the air around you when you say casually ‘I’m a writer.’
It gives you a high.
November 17th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
I’ve got to try this at a Christmas party this year now! The reaction sounds intriguing
November 17th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
You’re completely right, Neelima! There’s a bit of a high to it definitely.
Go for it Dave, and don’t forget to come back and tell me how it went.