Do you write? Would you ever go as far as calling yourself a writer? Maybe you’re an ‘in the closet’ type of writer? Weekend only? Holidays? Monday through Sunday, early morning and late nights? Whatever type of writer you are, it’s time you own the title, it could change your life.
I’m a writer. I’m an author.
It’s taken a while to own up to those terms. I might not invent a life saving machine or something on par with Branson’s out of this planet joy ride, but I’m doing what brings me a sense of satisfaction. How about you?
Here are five ways to tell you’re a writer.
1 – You write every day (or once a week)
Writers write. They don’t talk about writing, they do it. Those that don’t generally like the idea of having been written but not the actual process. I like a bit of both but over the years I have learnt that the words aren’t going to write themselves, duh! So I try to write everyday whether that’s working on a novel, writing articles, blog posts or brainstorming plot development.
But writing everyday isn’t a necessity. We all have different lifestyles. Maybe you only have time on Saturday at 9am. That’s fine. You’re still a writer.
2 – You carry a notebook and pen in your bag along with your lap top
You never know when an idea will pop into your mind. Having both a laptop and notebook on hand means you’re prepared for any situation.
Only the other day I went to my weekly writing haunt, early morning sunrise on the beach and my laptop battery turned out to be dead. Fortunately, I had the trusty notebook and two pens, so the writing session did not go to waste. There’s also the Notes system on my smartphone, and the notebook by the bed. Let’s just say there’s always something to write on until an idea hits and I’m in a place where there’s nothing to jot the genius on.
Hold on, we live in the tech age, we’ve always got out trusty phones on us, don’t we?
3 – You’re constantly coming up with story ideas
Is your brain a well of ideas for stories, articles and books? Do you find yourself running out of hours in the day to get everything down on paper? You’re a writer. Own it.
At the moment there are ideas floating in my mind for three different series and it’s driving me crazy because I want to write them all like write now. That’s not possible. I did manage to outline an entire novel in the first book of one of the series on the hour train ride to work. Win!
4 – You have a journal, a blog, a website, ten unfinished manuscripts in the bottom drawer (or maybe just one)
Yes, you are a writer. Even if you haven’t been ‘traditionally published, you can claim the title. It’s no longer a closely guarded community. Writers are versatile, they are flexible, and they come from all walks of life in various shapes and sizes. From freelancer to author and blogger.
It doesn’t matter what you write, how you write it or when you write it, as long as you do.
You are a writer. Stop denying yourself the title.
5 – Your stories are the first thing you think of and the last thing before you go to bed at night
It’s hard to forget a project you are passionate about. Even when you’re not sitting down at your desk you are thinking about your story, mulling over the details and hoping your dreams might bring a resolution to the conflicts you have set for your characters. You are a writer.
I often go to bed early just so I can think about my characters and the nasty situations I want to put them into so they can fight to get out of them and come out stronger. Yes, I might be on the verge of mildly insane. Who isn’t?
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