When Can You (Really) Call Yourself a Writer?

I haven’t always felt comfortable calling myself a writer. I’ve been writing for years, but I’ve also gone months at a time without writing anything substantial. It was in these moments that I felt the most like an imposter when calling myself a writer. At what point can you really call yourself a writer? When you start writing consistently? When you start sharing your work online? After completing a professional writing course? I don’t believe there is a clear-cut answer to this question. But I do believe there are some attributes that make a writer — and the more of these you fulfil, the more comfortable you will feel calling yourself a writer. “A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.” — Regina Brett Suppose you have never heard your best friend sing. Wouldn’t it be strange if she tells you she’s a singer? The same goes if you call yourself a writer but you hardly write. For most of 2022, I didn’t write much. The previous year, I wrote A LOT. That’s not to say I suddenly stopped being a writer in 2022, but I definitely didn’t feel as comfortable calling myself a writer. It’s 2023, and I’ve decided to write more consistently. It’s exciting to be writing again, and I hope you’ll stay along for the journey. “The purpose of writing is communication, and if what we write is not read, that purpose is not fulfilled.” — Dean Koontz The only time I felt comfortable calling myself a writer was when I started sharing my writing on Medium. For years, I wrote short stories and poems to myself. I would write them on Microsoft Word and stash them in a folder on my computer. I was too scared to share my work with anyone. I would ask myself, “What if no one likes my stories?” But I never asked myself, “What if someone does? What if many people do?” In 2019, after much contemplation, I took a bold step and published my first story on Medium. Now there was public evidence of my being a writer, and only then did it feel great to call myself a writer. Whether it’s shared with a handful of family and friends, or published on a website or a platform like Medium, as long as your writing is read, then you can boldly call yourself a writer. “Good writing can be defined as having something to say and saying it well.” — Edward Abbey All good writers start off as bad writers. Over time, through practice and patience, you will learn how best to communicate your ideas. Good writing is all about clarity. It’s about getting your point across to readers. Learn the rules of the craft to spot wordy sentences and grammatical errors so your writing is clear. How to become a better writer: Write more: Remember, writers write. You can’t become a better writer if you don’t put pen to paper. Start small. Then continually develop your writing routine. Read more: I’m pretty sure you’ve heard it before: reading makes you a better writer. The more you read, the more you improve your vocabulary, content ideas, and your writing skills. Get feedback: Getting feedback can be nerve-wracking, but in the end, it will make you a better writer. Share your writing with people you trust and ask them for feedback: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s okay not to agree with all the feedback you get — keep an open mind, and only implement what you also feel needs improving. So, when can you really call yourself a writer? My answer: When you feel comfortable doing so. That being said, it’s only fair if you fulfil some attributes of a writer. At the end of the day, being a writer is more than just a title. It’s about sharing your message with others. Honing your craft. Making a difference with your words. Rest assured, the more you continue doing this, the more comfortable, and awesome, you will feel calling yourself a writer. Happy writing, Tomi