Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Why Writers Need An ID Card



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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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2017©. Born and raised in Brooklyn, now resides in Westchester. Named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs 

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