"I'm an author."
I've dreamed of saying those words for three decades. Until recently, however, I tripped over them when I said them. It's a big deal to make that kind of proclamation, especially when you're an unpublished author.
It became easier to say them when I discovered a community of writers on social media. And when I signed with my agent, I shouted them with my arms in the air and my eyes full of tears.
But the outpouring of support from the people in my "real life" has been unbelievably gratifying. These are the friends and family, both near-to-home and far-flung, the ones I see every week and the ones I haven't seen in years. Their instant interest and belief in my work has given me the courage to proudly own this new part of my identity. They've given me the confidence to say "I'm an author" without amendment.
When I created my professional Facebook page, I knew I was about to reveal a secret that I'd held close for over two years. It wasn't a strict secret -- my closest friends and family knew about my novel. Still, it was the first time I spread the news about my work. I thought people would react kindly, but I had no idea that they would respond with such enthusiasm. If I were clinging to any remaining trace of imposter syndrome, the cheers from the people in my life drowned it out.
Because, as it turns out, it's okay to follow your dream. It's more than okay. It's brave and honest and exciting. Stating your truth enriches conversations and lets you blend your worlds into one big, beautiful, multi-layered place that is full of love and friendship and connection.
I like to say that I write "uplifting" fiction. I find great meaning in hope and simple joys, and my writing reflects that. When I take a step back and look at my life, I realize that it's full of uplifting people, too. What a gift, to wrap myself in their affirmation and return it to them. What a gift, to no longer have a "secret" ambition, but to embrace it and know that the people I care about embrace it, too.
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