I used to be a writer in the sense that I made great efforts to get words right. And I believed that my words could do something. I wrote about momentous topics, sometimes, and felt this could contribute to change.

I think I've turned from a writer into a teacher. I can spot-check and clarify. People listen carefully to my opinions and reasoning under specific circumstances.

I no longer have much of a sense that any word I write does anything more than clarify a stray thought.