Do you have to be published to call yourself a novelist? Do you have to have completed a novel? Or do you simply need to be writing one? For me, the issue of "when" I began calling myself a novelist had more to do with when I got over my fear of failure.

I worked on my first novel in earnest for about five years. My husband and a couple of close friends were then only ones who knew. The fear that I'd never finish the darn thing, much less get it published, kept me from telling anyone. Then I finished it. Yet, I was still afraid to tell anyone. Get a publisher first, I told myself.

Well, it takes a while to write a book, find an agent, convince a publisher. Meanwhile, I began to realize, like it or not, I am a novelist. It's all I've ever really wanted to be. Just admit, Jessica. Just tell people.

I was fortunate enough to receive some semi-finalist award nods for my novel as a work in progress, and a sizable award for the completed unpublished work. About a month ago, I got brave and added "Novelist" to my professional freelance writer profile on LinkedIn. Phew!

Now that it's done, that it's "out there," it feels pretty cool. I can't help but wonder if maybe I cheated myself out of that good feeling for too long.

What about you? When did you (or will you) call yourself a novelist?

I can't say enough great things about Hope Clark and Funds for Writers. Grants, contests and paying markets are the focus of this talented woman and her various newsletters (both free and paid subscriptions are available - your choice).

The newsletters deliver inspiration to your email in-box every week, both through market listings and informative articles and editorials. I've been a newsletter subscriber for years, and I've written a few articles for it as well.

If you've never checked out the website, you should take a look. Who knows, this week's issue just may have a listing for a contest or grant that is a perfect match to your current project.

www.fundsforwriters.com