12 Signs You Aren’t Really a Writer

12 Indications You May Not Truly Be a Writer: Take This Test to Find Out!

Keep tabs as you assess each of these 12 factors. Once you hit 4 of them, it’s likely you can acknowledge not being a genuine writer!

1. You constantly struggle to conjure up writing ideas. It’s normal to ponder about writing topics, but it’s also acceptable to take breaks. If you’re always pushing yourself, it may not be authentic. Genuine writers don’t spend every moment straining for inspiration.

2. Criticism deeply wounds your ego. While a negative review can sting, if you can’t handle any criticism, you may not truly be a writer. This holds especially true for constructive feedback. If you view every critique as an attack on your writing prowess, you may not be cut out for the writer’s life.

3. Rejection consistently bums you out. Rejection is par for the course in writing. While some rejections may sting more than others, you eventually need to accept them. When genuine writers face rejection, they either submit elsewhere or revise their work. Dwelling on it endlessly isn’t productive.

4. You fear losing your writing skills if you don’t use them daily. While writing regularly is commendable, fearing a loss of skill from skipping a day isn’t characteristic of a true writer. It’s akin to riding a bike; you won’t forget how to write after a short hiatus.

Note: Experiencing writer’s block doesn’t disqualify you as a writer. We all face it occasionally. If you’re struggling, try these tips to overcome it.

5. You’re oblivious to your own subpar writing. Thinking all your writing is flawless is a telltale sign you’re not a writer. Even the best writers produce their fair share of mediocre work. The top writers only publish a fraction of what they write, recognizing the disparity between good and bad.

6. You believe all your writing is terrible. Conversely, if you perpetually doubt your writing abilities, you may not truly be a writer. Occasional self-doubt is normal, but constant negativity isn’t conducive to progress.

7. You’ve never earned a dime from your writing. You don’t need to make a living from writing to be considered a writer, but if you’ve never earned anything, you’re not quite there yet. With numerous opportunities available today, even a modest income qualifies.

8. You’re frequently told you won’t succeed as a writer. If people consistently doubt your writing abilities, it’s worth reflecting on. Surround yourself with constructive criticism, but persistent negativity may indicate room for improvement.

9. You harbor resentment towards others’ success in writing. Getting upset over others’ achievements in writing suggests you may not have the right mindset. Instead, focus on understanding what sells and refining your craft.

10. You concoct elaborate publishing conspiracies. While it’s natural to ponder why you haven’t been published, concocting wild theories suggests you may not be fully committed to the craft.

11. You spend more time questioning your writer status than actually writing. Writers write. If you spend more time pondering whether you’re a writer than actually writing, it’s time to refocus your efforts.

12. You believe you’ve never had noteworthy experiences to write about. Every writer draws inspiration from life experiences. Even seemingly mundane experiences can provide material. If you struggle to find inspiration, you may not fully embrace the writer’s mindset.

Bonus: This list infuriates you. If this list irks you, it might suggest you’re not fully aligned with the writer’s journey. Genuine writers wouldn’t get riled up over such matters.

The Truth About Being a Writer Regardless of your test results, the true measure of a writer lies in their dedication to the craft. If you write and identify as a writer, then you are one. Keep honing your skills and silence those doubts!

So, did you pass the test? Are you a writer or not? Share your results in the comments.