Are you a writer or just a blogger?

I Googled this question the other day after watching an old YouTube video by Ianthia Smith on this topic.

Ianthia is a news reporter turned lifestyle blogger and in the video, she interviewed her former boss who has followed a similar path.

She shared that when she quit her reporting job to blog many of her peers looked down on her for that decision. Why would leave her journalism to be “just a blogger,” they wondered.

I’m familiar with this attitude. I’ve had people ask me if the women of See Jane Write are “real writers” or “just bloggers.” (It’s only by the blood of Jesus that those people are still alive. )

Several of the articles I read insisted that the main difference between a writer and a blogger is their motivation to create. A writer doesn’t care if she has an audience. She just writes for the love of words. A blogger, however, blogs to connect with others, to build community.

But why can’t we do both?

When I’m writing my first draft of a blog post or a personal essay I am doing so simply for the joy that stringing words together brings me. But when I edit and revise I do so with my future readers in mind. I want them to feel they can relate to me and my story. I want them to feel inspired. I want them to feel less alone.

Some of the articles I found in my Google search took the question even further exploring the difference between a writer, a blogger, a journalist, and a content creator.

I can confidently say that I am all of these and more. I’m also an entrepreneur, a coach, and a public speaker.

I don’t want to choose, so I’m not going to.

But what about branding?

How do you create a cohesive personal brand if you’re doing all the things?

I think there are two different ways to approach this.

One option is to weave your worldview through everything you do. For example, after spending five minutes with me it’s probably apparent that I am all about empowering women and girls. It’s why I write. It’s why I blog. It’s why I breathe. And that passion is at the heart of my writing, my blogging, my journalism, and even my social media content.

Another option is to wear one hat at a time. It’s OK for your writing life to have different seasons. So, you can have a season of working on books or pieces for literary journals. Then you can have another season for growing your blog. Maybe in another season, you’re going all-in on social media. And maybe at another time, you’re pitching story ideas to your favorite media outlets.

The key to all of this is to know who you are and what you want and not let anybody else’s rules get in your way.

I am a writer and a blogger.

I contain multitudes.

Do you need help with building your personal brand as a writer or blogger? Then don’t miss my new Personal Branding Workshop for Writers & Bloggers. This online masterclass is set for Sunday, February 23 at 6 p.m. CT. Learn more and register here.