by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
This question comes up a lot when I meet with writers—especially writers who aren’t yet officially published. And while I’ve been known to give a quick (and fairly accurate) answer:
“If you write, you’re a writer.”
This dilemma of when to announce, "I am a writer!" is wrapped up with strands of imposter syndrome, general insecurity, expectations, and emotions.
Lots and lots of emotions.
When I first began going to writing conferences, I struggled with this issue. I didn’t feel like I was qualified to call myself a writer. I assumed that when people heard me name myself a writer, their expectations wouldn’t be met by what I had actually done. I was terrified by being asked where they could purchase or read what I’d written.
And at that point, I didn’t have much of anything to send them to.
In truth, I’d been a writer, albeit a technical writer for almost 10 years when I attended my first conference. But like most of us, I decided that wasn’t real writing.
So back to the question, “When do I get to call myself a writer—and not be misleading people.”
That last part is the crux of the matter. Most of us would be fine saying the word, “I am a writer” out loud if we didn’t think someone would disagree. Or if we felt like we were professional enough or truly called enough to justify the label.
3 Basic Truths about Labeling Yourself as a Writer
- 1. You’re going to begin by not feeling like a real writer. Sometimes even with multiple books, you don’t feel like a writer. Sorry, our emotions are just not a good judge of this issue.
- 2. There is always going to be some well-meaning soul who wants to debate what it means to be a writer.
- 3. Your worst critic—about claiming the label writer—will always be yourself.
My Personal Checklist for Calling Myself a Writer
- 1. Am I working and spending money to learn the craft of writing? This means am I attending conference, taking classes, reading books and blogs, and joining groups.
- 2. Am I actually writing. It’s not enough (for me) to be learning about writing, I want to also be writing.
- 3. Am I submitting my work for someone else’s opinion? This could be submitting for publication, to a contest, or just what I write for an honest critique.
At this point—with these three things checked off my list—I allowed myself to be labeled a writer.
There are also additional things that help us feel like writers. These include:
- 1. Submitting our work for publication. This publication could be paid or unpaid. If someone deems my words good enough to show to others, I am a writer.
- 2. Winning awards for things that aren’t yet published. I won numerous awards with my unpublished entries and that helped me feel more like a writer.
- 3. Calling myself a writer. Putting on the label writer is a lot like breaking in a pair of work or hiking boots. At first they’re stiff, and don’t seem to move the way my foot moves. But if I give the boots time and I actually wear them, they begin to conform to my foot. They provide stability when I’m doing hard things, and they give me protection and actually help me do the job better.
I encourage each of you who are struggling to practice calling yourself a writer. Try out the label, give yourself time to conform to you. Let the label give you stability and protection. And most of all, do not give in to negative feelings and the small voice in your mind that tells you lies. Hey, you’re reading this blog and you’re working at improving your skills. In my mind, there is NO DOUBT each of you deserves the title, WRITER!
Now it’s your turn. For those of you past this hurdle (of calling yourself a writer) when did you adopt the title? For those of you struggling with this, what is keeping you from calling yourself a writer? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
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