Recently, in a private online discussion, the topic of what defines a professional writer came up. Some argue that anyone selling at what SFWA defines as professional rates, and to professional venues, should be considered a pro. Others argue that only people who make their living writing should have the right to be called professional writers.
This is something I used to be concerned with, long before I broke in, and even for a time after. At that time, the question was phrased When can I call myself a professional writer.
In time, that question really stopped mattering. I don’t support my lifestyle with my writing. In fact, I don’t support it with anything at the moment. yet I am selling my work. But when it comes right down to the kernel of the issue, I don’t think it really matters. It makes no difference to me whether Eric Flint or anybody else considers me a pro or a hobbyist. No difference at all.
That’s why I no longer care how I’m categorized. I’ll just keep plugging away and that’s all that matters.
