Can I Call Myself A Writer?

Summary

A freelance writer grapples with self-doubt and anxiety about their craft and identity as a writer, despite publishing books, receiving awards, and positive feedback from readers.

Abstract

The author, a freelance writer, reflects on the persistent self-doubt and anxiety that plague them despite years of writing experience. They question their legitimacy as a writer, citing concerns such as lower income compared to full-time employment, occasional writing errors, negative feedback on their work, and the temptation to return to a stable job. The writer also compares themselves to others in the field, wondering if they are producing their best work and if they are justified in calling themselves a writer. However, they find motivation in the appreciation and comments from their readers, suggesting that positive reinforcement plays a significant role in their confidence and identity as a writer.

Opinions

The writer feels inadequate due to not earning as much as they could with a full-time job.
They are critical of their writing, noting that errors persist even after multiple edits.
Negative feedback, especially on pieces they were proud of, contributes to their self-doubt.
The writer experiences regular temptations to abandon freelance writing for a more stable income.
They suffer from anxiety with every new piece they publish, questioning their methods and skills.
The writer doubts their ability to compete with peers who seem more productive or skilled.
Despite these doubts, they take solace in their successes, such as published books and awards.
They acknowledge their strength in poetry, fiction, and experiential writing, implying these genres are their niche.
Positive reader feedback is seen as a significant morale booster and validation of their work.
The writer expresses gratitude for being included in a writing challenge, showing appreciation for peer recognition.

Self-Doubts That Haunt Me After Years of Writing

I don’t make as much money as I’d probably make with a full-time job alongside some writing gigs,

I make errors in my writing, despite many rounds of editing.

I receive negative feedback on many of my pieces which I believed were my best works.

At least once a day, I am tempted to give up being a freelancer and go back to doing a full-time job which would get me a stable income.

I’m riddled with self-doubts and anxiety every time I put out a fresh piece of writing on any platform.

So many questions like,

“Am I doing things this right?”

“How are others in my field doing so much?”

“Why am I not able to write as well as others?”

run through my mind most of the day.

Stories and writing that require facts, stats, and numbers, aren’t my thing. So I stick to poetry, fiction, and experiential writing.

Despite having a handful of books published, and winning awards as well as ample appreciation for my writing, I wonder if I’m giving in my best.

And ultimately, all these things make me wonder,

“Can I Call Myself A Writer?”

I started writing since I was a teenager. Over the years, I have become confident about it, but the self-doubt still lingers. Every time someone says ‘I loved your piece’ it motivates me to continue writing. So, if you are someone, who has read my work and liked it, do drop in a comment or a note. We writers are anxious beings and a kind word from a reader is all the tonic we need to make our day.

Thank you for reading. I was tagged by Sahil Patel and Bhavna Narula to write a piece around the prompt Can I Call Myself A Writer? I take this opportunity to thank both of them for considering me worthy to partake in this challenge.

You can read their pieces on this prompt below.

Can I Call Myself A Writer?

Self-Doubts That Haunt Me After Years of Writing

Can I Call Myself A Writer?

If you can, I can too

Can I Call Myself A Writer?

Poetry Prompt Day:-11