E.B. Davis on “Writers Who Kill” weaves two of his recent reading experiences, along with the story of his first published fiction, into an interesting mini-essay about what it means to be an authentic writer. Congratulations to Davis on the publication, and thanks for the nod!

I’ve written for years. At first, I hesitated to call myself a writer for fear that my story would be false when I never was published, risking my integrity…I started called myself a writer because believing provides a catalyst to the writing process even though it doesn’t increase publishing probability…

Last week I proved my authenticity as a writer in a small way. Voices from the Garage, an ezine published my short story, “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Becoming published was proof of my authenticity. Richmond points out that a mathematical proof is the litmus test of theory. I’m no longer a possible writer, but an authentic one. It may be a small credit, but at least my story is now true. I’m a published short story writer.