If you’re reading this, you’re already a writer.
That might feel strange to hear. Maybe you think a real writer is someone with a published book, a literary agent, or a big deal contract. But that’s not true. A writer is anyone who puts words on a page. If you’re writing a story, a blog post, a poem, or even just jotting down your thoughts in a journal, you are already practicing the craft. You are already a writer. It doesn’t matter if no one else has seen your work yet. What matters is that you are creating. That’s what being a writer is all about.
So why do so many of us keep calling ourselves “aspiring” writers? The word “aspiring” sounds harmless, but it actually keeps you stuck. It makes you feel like writing is something you want to do someday, rather than something you are doing right now. It’s a word that puts you in waiting mode. You might feel like you’re waiting for the “perfect time,” the “right opportunity,” or someone’s approval before you can truly call yourself a writer.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need anyone to approve you. You don’t need an agent, a publisher, or even a crowd of readers to be a writer. All you need is to write. When you put words on a page, that’s enough. That’s what makes you a writer.
The longer you cling to the idea of being an “aspiring” writer, the longer you let fear and doubt hold you back. You’re already doing the hard part—writing. So drop the label, stop waiting for permission, and start owning it. You are a writer.
Embrace the Identity of a Writer
Shift your mindset: stop saying, “I’m an aspiring writer” and start saying, “I am a writer.” It’s a small change in words, but a huge change in perspective. This simple affirmation rewires your brain to see writing as part of who you are, not just something you hope to do someday.
Being a writer is about action, not approval. Kristen Lamb puts it plainly: writers write. You can’t outsource this identity. The more you write, the more you reinforce it, and the more naturally it will become part of your life.
Take Action: Be A Writer Everyday
Writing consistently is key. You don’t have to finish a novel or publish a best-seller overnight. Start small: freewriting for 10 minutes each morning, journaling your thoughts, or drafting a short story. The goal is to create a habit, to show up for your writing every day.
Even staring at a blank page counts. Hugh Howey emphasizes that the act of sitting down and confronting the blank page builds discipline and mental resilience. Over time, what once felt like a struggle becomes routine, and that consistency is what separates hobbyists from committed writers.
Share Your Work
Perfectionism often keeps writers in isolation. Don’t wait until your writing feels flawless. Share it. Post a blog, send a story to a friend, or submit to a small publication. Sharing can be scary, yes, but it’s also essential. Feedback, whether positive or critical, helps you grow and strengthens your confidence.
Frank McKinley suggests that sharing work you’re hesitant about can reveal gaps, spark new ideas, and push you to improve. Your audience doesn’t have to be huge; the act of putting your work out there is what counts.
Keep Writing
Writing is a journey, not a destination. You won’t become a great writer with a single story or post. Every piece you create teaches you something new: about storytelling, structure, or even yourself. Each word, paragraph, and draft is part of your growth.
Remember: the only way to truly be a writer is to write. Stop aspiring. Stop waiting for permission. Stop letting fear dictate your actions. Start writing today and every day. You are already a writer.
