26. Claiming your writing identity w/ Jennifer Bozarth

What makes someone a writer? Do you need to be published or a true storyteller at heart? Or is a love for the written word enough?Joining today’s conversation is Jennifer Bozarth, a writer searching for a genre and the motivation to prioritize her writing. Erin coaches her on the importance of making time for her own goals and happiness amidst their discussion on what it means to be a writer.As Jennifer says in this episode, the suffix "-er'' literally means a person or thing that does an action. So, whether you journal every day or have unpublished manuscripts sitting in your drawer, you ARE a writer. And as parents who write, our time is limited, and we must be intentional with how we spend it.Erin helps Jennifer make a plan for her writing, and her advice can help you too, so tune in!Topics discussed in this episode: Jennifer’s origin as a writerSubconscious loss of her own identityGetting back into writingWriting as a coping mechanismErin coaches Jennifer through imposter syndromeWhat it means to be a writer without a genreFinding places to submit your writingHow a brain dump worksPrioritizing using the rock, pebble, sand theory Consequences of not writingFavorite books of Jennifer’s and her familyAbout Jennifer:Jennifer Bozarth has been creating stories since the third grade. After she had a family, she put her writing aside for years—until she realized she had lost herself. Writing helped her find herself again. As long as characters are willing to tell her their stories, she's going to keep writing.Married for 25 years to a man who hates to read but always encourages her writing, she has two grown children—the boy who made her a mom and the girl who added "special needs" to that title. Jennifer also enjoys crocheting and collecting T-rexes. Connect with Jennifer: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferBozart1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.bozarth1 Books discussed during the show: Rolling in the Deep series by Seanan McGuireNewsflesh series by Mira GrantMore Bears! by Kenn NesbittThe 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy GriffithsResources mentioned:Deadlines for Writers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242122619564906 Send us Fan MailREADY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER? Join our Patreon community and access our vibrant Discord writing group to get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor