Do your family or friends give you books or book gifts for holidays? When they think of what to gift you, do they see you as a literary, wordsmithing addict?

That’s great if they do. That means you lead with your desire to write. You love the written word. If they don’t think that way, however, do you even see yourself in that light?

It’s early enough in the year to decide to make a difference as a writer. Start today. Decide your niche. Look for markets. Pitch to several. Decide on a word count and hit it before the sun sets tonight or rises tomorrow.

When someone asks how you are doing, reply with something positive, like what you are reading, what you are writing, or what you have published, regardless how small. Remind them you write. When people see me, they ask:

1. Are you writing on the next book? (Always yes.)
2. When’s the next book coming out? (I always have a month or season handy, such as “next fall.”)
3. Do you ever not write? (Always no.)
4. What have you published lately? (Always have an answer, even if it was six months ago.)

Guess what they don’t ask me.

1. How many books have you sold?
2. How many reviews do you have on Amazon?
3. Have you won any awards?

First, readers don’t care about the details of being a writer or how you published. They care about what you have done in very general terms.

Their questions tell me they see me as a writer. Why? Because I always lead with the fact I am one and regularly write. Now, everyone who sees me asks something about writing, because they see me as diligent.

Don’t hold back that you are a writer. Own it. And always be working on it. That’s how you earn respect. That’s how you become known.