Writers
are part of a profession that has no requirements. If you say you are a writer, then you
are. You don’t have to be published nor
do you even have to write something to stick to the claim of writer. It’s a title that comes from those who choose
to embrace it.
You
don’t have to even be a good writer to be a writer. Your writing doesn’t have to be of books,
newspaper or magazine articles, poetry, essays or short stories. It could be blogging or research papers or
marketing and technical materials.
But
writers should not have to just say what they are. They ought to have ID cards, something that
gives them an identity and a communal sense of belonging. They don’t have to join a group or qualify
for professional membership. No, they
just need a license-like card that clearly declares they are a writer.
Where
would you use such a card and what would it qualify you for? Never mind with practicality and
details. This is about a group of people
numbering in the millions that deserves an official designation. Just having such a card could make its holder
feel he belongs to something bigger than himself. Even though the art of writing is highly
individualistic and practiced solo, the collection of writers can assume a
single identity and common marker.
Everyone
wants to feel a part of something. We
carry cards like a work ID or license because we have to, though we attach
identity and pride to them. We have cards for groups we paid to join, either as
members or donors. We have functional cards like a library card or a business
card, but they don’t compare to the writer card.
It’s
like a press card, an ID members of the news media get, only it provides you access
to nothing. Its only perk is that the
holder feels a connection to others practicing the craft of ordering words in a
way most could never do.
The
card could have your name and photo on it – and maybe a list of places that
published you. Or it can list what you
like to write about. You can describe your
writing essence, including links to social media, maybe include logos of media
you wrote for or cover images of books you published or are working on. Throw in some quotes from writers that you
love or list your mantra or mission statement for writing.
Writers
don’t require a degree, a license, or even special training to just go out and
practice their art. Writers choose to be
writers. Let’s help them identify with one another – and give them a sense of
home and unity – by issuing a writers card. I’d sign up for one. Would you?
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