For the first time since 2003, I updated my CV aka resume last week. At the top of the job experience section, I added “Writer, About Weblogs Network.”

I’ve never thought of myself as a writer primarily because I don’t have the eloquence of people like Marv, Audrey Niffenegger, or Malcolm Gladwell. But I’ve always had the desire to communicate using writing especially when it comes to scientific ideas.

Anne Wayman, an experienced freelance writer who blogs at The Freelance Writing Blog, wrote in a group message to About Weblogs Network bloggers:

Of 100 people who say they want to write, 10% or fewer will actually sit down and write something. Of the 10 who do sit down and write, 10% will finish the writing/editing and actually attempt to get the piece published. (I may have to revise this upward given blogs, but maybe not, and not by much.)

Anyone who gets anything published is a real writer because they’ve gone through those steps… imo, blogs count because the work is published on the web, out there in all its glory for others to read.

Everyone on our network has agreed to write a blog and put it out there on a regular basis…therefore you and everyone are real writers.

imo it’s not about getting paid for it… although I’m certainly in favor of that…

Lately, I’ve been thinking that I’d like to do some paid freelance writing aside from blogging, which is for profit when it comes to my Genetics and Public Health Blog and the Children’s Books, Toys and Things Blog. For this wanna-be-writer scientist, a strong dose of courage will be needed to take this next step.