I’ve officially been writing for over a year now. I’ve expanded my area to a second newspaper. My name is out there for thousands of people to see. And while I don’t have the compulsion to announce to people for whom I write, my husband likes to tell anyone with an ERN or GTI, “My wife writes for them!”Honestly, though, no one knows me. I can walk down the street, and the only people who recognize me are the students I teach (and they usually go running in the other direction).

But even with such a small “fan” base, I’m already being approached for help and opinions, because even though the public has no idea who I am, my friends do. In less than a month I’ve met four other writers of assorted ages and talents. We chat about this and that, and at the end of each conversation there’s always a request to get together and/or read their work.

Two years ago I was the one trying to meet with writers, and I find it interesting today how many more people are willing to talk to me, just because I have a by-line. And it’s only in the free weekly papers!

I’m not complaining here, just observing: how much “worse” much it get after you’ve had a book published? Or two? Or when your book sells well and people recognize your face from the picture on the back? Right now people only know I’m a writer when I tell them, so they aren’t hunting me down. But there are writers who we all know. I wonder what it’s like for them, to have people seek them out for advice and guidance.

Now I don’t want anyone to think that I’m of the opinion that I’m the cat’s meow. I’m just a local writer, but the fact is that people are asking questions so I’m already having to ration out my time. I’ve agreed to mentor one young writer (in high school), and I don’t mind chatting with others, but I’ve still got work to do, and I’d like to break into a few more markets, so even now my time is valuable. I just didn’t expect to be thinking this way at such an early point in my career.

How has it been for you? Are people already approaching you for advice? If not, have you thought about it?