From Writer to Author

Today I was called an author.

That's right. I'm going to be published. Okay, so it's "just" a flash fiction piece in a magazine, and it's "only" 697 words. But they're my words. Someone is willing to pay me for my words. And my words will appear in print. My name will appear in print.

When I found out my story had been accepted, I cried. I didn't tell anyone at first. It was a special moment just for me. I've since told my husband and a couple of writer friends, and now I'm telling you. When the piece is published, I'm going to shout it from the rooftops.

While I've gotten some positive feedback on my writing over the past few years, I've also gotten rejections. Having this tiny story published is the validation I was hoping for. The encouragement to keep going. Maybe I'm actually good enough to do this. To be a writer.

So, yeah. Today I got an email from the production assistant at the magazine about the next step in the process. The email was addressed "Greetings authors!" That's right. I'm officially an author and not "just" a writer.

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