Why You Should Stop Calling Yourself an Aspiring Writer

Let’s say you only write occasionally. On the days when you have the time and energy, you find a quiet spot with your laptop or pen. Sometimes you write pages, while other times you only get out a couple of sentences. You have dreams of someday being published, but for now, it’s a calming hobby.

As such, you hesitate to claim the title of “writer.” Maybe you think you don’t practice the craft enough. Or you’re not a real writer until you share your work or become published.

Instead, you call yourself an “aspiring writer.” One day, you think. If I write enough or get recognition, I can be a real writer.”

I have a question for you.

What do you think a real writer does?

If you’ve read any writing advice, you might think real writers hit a certain word count every day.

Sure, that works for a lot of people. But that’s not a requirement to get into the club.

In fact, the only prerequisite to becoming a writer is a love of the craft.

Still, this is easier to believe in theory than practice. I get it. Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest mental struggles many of us experience. I’ve personally dealt with it extensively.

I was two years into my professional writing degree until I let myself claim the title of writer.

The thing was, there wasn’t any big shift that made me accept it. I hadn’t published anything or established a writing routine yet. Somewhere in between my second and third completed short stories, I woke up.

Huh. I thought. Maybe I am a real writer.

Duh, dude.

Look, imposter syndrome makes me a little dense sometimes.

The point is, there is no line you have to cross to go from aspiring to “real.” No one is watching from the sidelines, ready to blow the whistle if you step out of place.

The only line is the one you set for yourself. The secret, my friend, is you can move past it whenever you’re ready.

If you don’t start by believing you are a writer, you likely never will. You will always move the goalposts. You and your work deserve better than that.

Everyone starts somewhere. Just because you are at the start of your writing journey doesn’t mean you haven’t begun.

What makes you feel like a “real” writer? Why do you think you’re holding yourself back? Comment below.

The ultimate goal of this blog is to be a resource for other independent creatives. Whether you’re struggling with burnout and loneliness, or just looking for free writing advice that cuts to the chase, I’ve got you. Follow for more!