Summary

A writer grapples with self-doubt and the challenge of committing to writing, ultimately embracing their identity as a writer by consistently affirming it in their journal and beginning to write on the Medium platform despite feeling overwhelmed by other writers' prowess.

Abstract

The writer opens up about a personal ritual of affirming their identity as a writer by repeatedly writing "I am a writer" in their journal. Despite the struggle to allocate time for writing amidst distractions like Netflix and the habit of procrastination, the writer acknowledges the deep-seated desire to write since childhood. They reminisce about finding solace in books, which sparked their imagination and allowed them to envision themselves in various roles. The writer emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing, noting that avid reading is a stepping stone to becoming a great writer. The journey to self-identifying as a writer is fraught with self-doubt, especially when comparing oneself to the polished work of others on Medium. However, the writer decides to overcome these doubts by simply starting to write, marking the beginning of their writing journey on the platform.

Opinions

The writer believes in the power of self-affirmation as a tool to reinforce their identity as a writer.
They express a long-held passion for writing, tracing back to their childhood.
The writer admits to feeling intimidated by the quality of writing on Medium, which initially held them back from contributing.
They suggest that reading extensively contributes to one's ability to write well.
The writer challenges the notion that one can only call oneself a writer after achieving a certain level of success or recognition.
They advocate for the importance of starting to write, regardless of self-doubt or fear of comparison.

I am a Writer, I am a Writer, I am a Writer.

(You are what you tell yourself)

Dear New Writer

I write these four words, three times over most mornings in my journal.

I am a writer.

It has become a habit unlike the actual practice of writing.

Can you tell yourself you are a writer when you struggle to make the time to write?

When languishing in front of Netflix seems to have a greater draw?

When you stop and start, procrastinate, and seem to never get done with a single writing project?

I have wanted to write since I was a child.

I was an introvert with her nose stuck into a book rather than mingling with the other kids.

I stuck out. I know I did.

But in a book, I could become whoever I wanted to be.

I was in control of the school bully.

I was in the popular set.

I was invited to every birthday party going.

Of course, all that only ever happened inside my young head.

We all know that reading and writing go hand in hand.

To be a great writer, you need to be a voracious reader.

Which I was.

But when do you really become a writer?

When can you call yourself a writer?

I have wanted to write on the Medium platform for a while now.

I would sign in. Start to read a few articles.

Then feel overwhelmed.

Everyone seemed to write so well.

Everyone seemed to have found their voice.

I was captured by the many articles I read.

And I sign out.

Because I believed that I was not as good a writer as everyone else.

But today, as I was writing those four words, three times over.

I challenged myself to just start.

And so, I have.