It's Indie Wednesday & TOP's Tuesday All in One

Over three years ago I made the mental decision to transition from a closet writer to a professional author. I attended a local Christian conference, The Christian Writers' Gathering at the Delta Lake Bible Conference, outside Rome, New York. I learned many important lessons in a few short days about writing, publishing, and speaking.

The lesson I would like to share is also a change in mind-set, or at least it was for me. I arrived at the conference on Thursday a "writer" but returned home on Saturday an "author". Until one of the presenters, author and speaker, Elaine W. Miller, mentioned this, I didn't realize there was a difference.

So, as any first-born author, I went to the dictionary.  Each word has multiple definitions with similar wording. I thought about creating a VENN diagram to show you the similarities and differences but then said, "No way, there are still a few weeks before school starts." so I chose a different format.

writ·er  noun 
1. a person engaged in writing books, articles, stories, etc., especially as an occupation or profession; an author or journalist. 


2. a clerk, scribe, or the like. 


3. a person who commits his or her thoughts, ideas, etc., to writing: an expert letter writer.  

4. (in a piece of writing) the author (used as a circumlocution for “I,” “me,” “my,” etc.): The writer wishes to state…. 

5. a person who writes or is able to write: a writer in script.
http://dictionary.reference.com/

au·thor  noun 
1. a person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.; the composer of a literary work, as distinguished from a compiler, translator, editor, or copyist. 

2. the literary production or productions of a writer: to find a passage in an author. 

3. the maker of anything; creator; originator: the author of a new tax plan.  

4. Computers.  the writer of a software program, especially a hypertext or multimedia application.

author -VERB (used with object)  
5. to write; be the author of: He authored a history of the Civil War. 

6. to originate; create a design for: She authored a new system for teaching chemistry.
http://dictionary.reference.com/

The common ground is someone who writes. Do you agree? I thought so. The difference when comparing the definitions is slight yet important to note. AN AUTHOR isn't only "an engaged writer" but IS A PERSON WHO WRITES! "Author" is also listed as a VERB ~ a writer might be engaged in multiple writing projects, outlining, and dreams but an author IS WRITING!

To take this a step further, Elaine W. Miller ( http://splashesofserenity.com/), made it clear if I, or you, want anyone else to think of you as an "author" and not just a writer then we MUST COMMIT and BELIEVE and LIVE OUT an author's life -- actively writing and seeking publication, tracking hours used for "author" related activities, and prioritizing this path with family and friends. It is only when we view ourselves as an author that those around us will also change their perspective.

I remembering thinking, "This is a simple concept. Piece of cake." While the concept is simple, the application requires dedication, discipline, and focus. To help keep myself, and yourself, moving forward as an "author" ~ we need to surround ourselves with like-minded authors. One way to do this is through blogs, websites, writers' groups, and conferences.

The Indie Life (direct link on photo to the left) is a valuable resource. One Wednesday a month, there is a blog hop/tour of various Indie (self-published) authors who share tidbits, pointers, lessons, and hindsight of an author's life. I'm blessed by the working relationships, friendships, and lessons I gain each month (and day when I have time) from the men and women setting aside time in their schedules to help other authors reach their goals.

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This month I decided to merge my weekly blog, TOPS Tuesday with today's Indie Life blog to model for other authors one way I utilize my blog to connect with my readers and share a  little of who I am and why I write.

Each Tuesday I have a blog titled after my sister, Heidi M. Allen, and her high school nickname from her stellar volleyball skills. She was named the "Tower of Power" by media, hence TOP's Tuesday.

My sister, Heidi, kidnapped on Easter Sunday 1994 remains missing today. I've written three books, all released this year. In January I released, When the Waves Subside: There is Hope. On April 3, the 19th anniversary of Heidi's disappearance, I released an inspirational nonfiction titled, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. This summer I released an organization book to record important events and dates so you can encourage others, Encourage Others: One Day at a Time.

I mention news, updates, and upcoming events throughout the week on the blog when they come about yet there are many I save just for the Tuesday blog. My regular readers know if they are looking for upcoming events or anything new and exciting, it will be announced in Tuesday's blog. If you are new to blogging or looking for a new twist, I recommend a weekly blog series. The topic and format depends on your genre and purpose yet the goal is the same, to reach your readers and keep them reading.

Below is a list of The Indelibles: Indie Life participants. Each sharing wisdom to help us each reach our goals. I love to write and always have but as an adult, I'm an author!

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To be an author, one must believe & live as if he or she IS one.
To be "x", then you must believe and live as if you are a "x".
What is your "X"?
What are you doing to ensure this becomes a reality?