I think that's the way to go! (For most of us.)
Do you call yourself a writer? Page 2
Quote: Matthew Stott @ July 13 2010, 4:25 PM BSTI tend to say I'm trying to be a writer. Even though that sounds pathetic. Having done what I've done so far, I feel okay coming out with the 'trying to be a writer' thing first these days, before mentioning the day job.
I hate people who say that. I want to strike them. Nowadays I keep my aspirations to myself.
Contrary to popular belief and the title of my website when I meet real people I tend to say I am student who does a bit of writing. When people ask if I act then I say yes but it's loose term of what I can do but I always say I'm not a proper actor because I'm not trained.
So, in general, it appears that most people on here don't call themselves writers. Although, we haven't heard from Mikey J yet.
Quote: chipolata @ July 13 2010, 6:09 PM BSTNowadays I keep my aspirations to myself.
In your case, that's probably for the best.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ July 13 2010, 7:03 PM BSTIn your case, that's probably for the best.
Ah, Angry Short Man Syndrome on display again!
Quote: chipolata @ July 13 2010, 7:07 PM BSTAh, Angry Short Man Syndrome on display again!
I'm not angry, I'm supping a nice cup of tea and listening to some lovely music. I'm also fashioning a Chip Voodoo Doll; but again, I'm doing it with a merry whistle on me lips.
i,m a lover not a writer
Don't tell anyone, and just laugh it off if anyone mentions in real life. Quite embarasssing lol
I tend to treat it more as a dirty little secret.
I don't like to say it as if you say you write comedy then people ask you to tell them a joke and as most of you are aware having watched my comedies I can't do jokes.
I tell them I'm a binman.
If I don't want to tell someone I'm a stand up (generally because I don't want the inevitable "Tell us a joke" request) then I'll say I'm a comedy writer.
OK, it's me. 
Yes, I call myself a writer when asked what I do.
Mostly radio and stage, some freelance work, blah, blah, blah.
I usually also mention that I run online businesses as well.
Plus I also "consider" myself a writer.
This is the reason:
When I was as young as 6 or 7, I used to create comics. Just a few folded A4 sheets with cartoon strips scrawled in biro.
Most cartoon strips continued each week, thus being my earliest attempt at constructing stories.
At 11, and still at primary school, a teacher asked the class to write a short story. Most were about a page long. Mine was about 7 pages long.
The teacher asked to see me. I thought I'd effed up, but I was surprised to be told my story was outstanding for such a young person.
He reckoned I should seriously take writing up as a career, as he saw a lot of potential.
At the time, I'd set my heart on becoming a cartoonist "when I grew up." I'd never considered writing until then.
By 15, I was writing novels and started visiting the library, taking notes from the Writers And Artists Yearbook.
I sent some off to publishers, but got rejected.
Mind you, they were shit. lol
I also found myself watching films but studying their structure, etc.
I was heavily inspired by Steven Spielberg.
After I left school, I continued annoying publishers, but "normal life" soon took over. i.e. relationships, etc.
I stopped writing for ages, but continued to think up plot ideas, saying to myself I'd write that film/TV show/novel one day.
2008. Finally, I got off up that spotty arse and did something about it.
Did my research. Discovered Writersroom and other sites.
Oh, and these forums.
I wrote loads of scripts in such a short space of time, adding them all to that "huge portfolio" I kept banging on about. Coz I had a lifetime of ideas to pick from.
And two years down the line, yeah, okay, moderate success, but...
... I still call myself a writer because it comes from inside. I live, breath, feel writing.
I'm not some hack who's suddenly "decided" to give writing a try by taking a creative writing course.
Not saying creative writing classes are wrong, but the actual art of writing is not really something you can learn.
Deep down, it's a gift, a talent.
I feel I am a writer.
So yes, I consider myself one.
On this site, in order to see the writers' discussions on 'Active Threads', you have to submit that you are a writer. I don't know why this is necessary. Perhaps to make somr of us feel like charlatans.