The Oldest Budding Writer There Ever Was

Someone suggested that because I took an interest in a certain magazine they were dropping off in the cafe today that I must be "a budding writer".
Interesting assumption by her especially given my age. Kind of funny for me in that budding is entirely the wrong word. Yet I am not a successful writer. Or an established one.
I ermed a bit about the budding part, then she said "Oh you ARE a writer."
Was she being condescending. It was all a bit confusing.
As usual, I have no idea what the hell I am.