What does it mean to you to be a professional writer?

[Tuesday Afternoon]

[ChicagoSuz219]

1. When money changes hands...

For me, it's the difference between the idea originating with me as opposed to being hired to write for someone else. I do the latter mainly to support the former... ;-) A librarian once bought one of my children's books, then shook my hand & said, "It's so lovely to meet an author." It was a long time ago & it still makes me smile... :-)

[sybylla]

2. Being able to treat it like a job

Money isn't part of the equation for me. It's the luxury of working an eight or ten hour day just writing. To me, that's being a professional writer. Selling a freelance article here or there just doesn't give me that sense. Commitment to the work does.

[ceveritt]

3. What does it mean to be a professional writer?

These days, it means going without a full-time job, health insurance and—occasionally—food. It sometimes means waiting more than 90 days to get paid. I could go on.

Oh, yeah, it's bliss and heaven.