Author, or Not?

What makes an author? Is it a passion for or a dedication to writing that makes one an author? Is it an MFA (Masters in Fine Arts) or sound writing skills that make one an author? Or, is a published manuscript the badge of a true author? Am I an author?

Let's assess ...

I have a passion for writing--I love writing and I get new ideas to further develop a piece in progress or for something totally new. My ideas come at different times, in different places and in different situations. My mind works like a book reads--with a beginning, a middle and an end.

I am dedicated--why else would I get up at 4:30 in the morning to write? Enough said.

I do not have an MFA--it wasn't on the radar as I worked as a professional in the financial services industry, took care of a household and family and pursued an MBA. (Well, I thought wanted to climb the rungs of the corporate ladder, but that turned out not to be my life's ambition.) In 1999 I enrolled in an elementary education program at a teaching college as I had a longing desire--which I kept trying to suppress--to teach children. I completed 5 masters level courses but I didn't finish the degree ... my second-grade student teaching experience revealed I'd waited too late to transition out of the conference room into the classroom. (The need to go home and nap every day after school was a key indicator!) I took my teaching experience and used it at home with my children and as I saw each of their skills and abilities unfold I began to supplement the teaching materials I was using, customizing the learning experience for each of them. My curriculum development experience was my segue to writing creatively for children and I completed two courses through the Institute of Children's Literature to build my skills and learn to write for children.

I have been writing for children since 2005 when I enrolled in my first structured writing class through the Institute of Children's Literature. That was seven years ago and in those seven years I have not had one article, poem, short story or novel published and I have written and queried them all.

So, am I an author?

Yes, I am ... and I have the pile of rejection letters to prove it!

P.S.: I have had a word search puzzle published in a children's ezine (Stories for Children) and ten math lessons published in a teacher's guide. So I am not completely without some publishing credits under my belt.