What Makes a Writer? It’s Not What You Think
Have You Ever Wondered If You’re Really a Writer?
"I mean, I’m not really a writer. I just make up stories for fun." The woman at the writing event I was attending said it casually, even dismissively, but the room went quiet.
She had spoken the unspoken.
All of us understood exactly what she meant. We’d all thought it. We’d all felt the doubt.
Because isn’t writing supposed to come with some kind of badge of honor? A published book, a contract, an audience that hangs on your every word? How could we possibly call ourselves writers without these proofs of success?
Later that day, someone suggested she try affirmations. At first, she brushed it off, but when she got home, she decided to give it a try. She stood in front of the mirror, took a deep breath, and said, “I am a writer.”
She immediately felt ridiculous. Who did she think she was? But then, as the words lingered in the air, something shifted. Her chest tightened, and tears welled up. Saying the words out loud made her realize just how deeply she’d been longing to claim that identity. The weight she’d been carrying, the doubt and uncertainty, all came tumbling out in tears.
And the next day, she was brave enough to share what had happened — and to say, "I am a writer." No tears, just determination.
For the six years since that event, her story has stuck with me because it’s such a clear example of what we all wrestle with as writers. It’s not just about the act of writing; it’s about everything tied up with being a writer. The fear of not measuring up. The yearning for validation. The vulnerability of claiming a title that feels so big.
But here’s the truth no one tells you about being a writer: it has nothing to do with external achievements. What defines a writer is not a bestselling book or a trophy on a shelf. Being a writer is something deeper, more personal—and you’re probably closer to it than you think.
The Unrealistic Standards Writers Face
Somewhere along the way, we’ve been sold this idea of what a "real writer" is.
As an editor, I've heard versions of this across the board.
From a beginning writer: "I'm not a writer, I just write down the nonsense thoughts I have."
From an award-winning short story writer: "I'm not a real writer. I've just published stories but not a book or anything."
From an award-winning published author: "I only have one series so I'm not that experienced."
From a middle-grade fantasy writer with six books under his belt: "I just write on the side, but it's a hobby. I have my real job."
When is enough accomplishment enough?
Never.
You may picture a successful writer as someone who fits a very specific mold. They’ve published multiple books, won awards, write full-time, and have thousands of devoted fans. They’re prolific, disciplined, and somehow untouched by the doubts that plague the rest of us.
But these narrow definitions of success create an invisible gatekeeper. Many of us hesitate to even start writing because we think we’ll never measure up. Even those who already write often feel like impostors if they’re not meeting these unrealistic standards.
And here's the secret: if you accomplished that exact set of achievements, it still wouldn't be enough. You'd still wonder, still move the goalpost, still hope that one more book, one more series, one more award would make it all feel real.
No amount of external anything can change the way you feel about yourself.
The bad news: that means you have to change it on your own.
The good news: that means it's within reach right now, and you don't have to wait for some mythical someday.
What Actually Makes Someone a Writer?
Okay, let’s strip away the external stuff. Forget the publishing contracts, the awards, the social media followers. What makes someone a writer? The answer is surprisingly simple:
A writer is someone who writes.
Think about it. Does it really matter if your writing is messy, sporadic, or imperfect? Is it any less valid if you’re writing in a notebook that no one else will see or jotting down fragments in the notes app on your phone? Writing is about taking what’s inside you and putting it into words.
Writers aren’t defined by their outcomes. They’re defined by their actions and the qualities that drive them forward.
Here are a few core traits that make writers amazing:
Curiosity. Writers have an insatiable need to explore. They notice the details others might overlook and ask questions most wouldn't think to ask. Everything is a potential story, and their minds are constantly piecing together connections, concepts, and characters. Curiosity fuels their creativity because they can always see the possibility within a seemingly mundane moment.
Perspective. Writers have the remarkable ability to see the world from angles others don’t consider. Whether it’s slipping into the mind of a fictional character or looking at a real-world problem with empathy and imagination, they find the extraordinary in the ordinary. This perspective invites them to explore what ifs and uncover truths that others might miss. It’s this expanded vision that allows them to craft stories that resonate on deeper levels.
Courage. Writing takes guts. It means confronting a blank page when you’re not sure how to start, revisiting drafts that feel far from perfect, and putting pieces of your heart into your work. Courage isn’t about feeling fearless; it’s about choosing to show up and write anyway, even when doubt or fear kicks in. And every time you do it, you’re strengthening your resolve as a writer.
What makes you a writer isn't what you've written. It's that you are the kind of person that writes. Even if you're not published, even if your writing never sees the light of day, you are a writer because you have the drive and desire to express yourself through words.
That’s it. That’s what makes a writer. It isn’t about the number of words you write or whether anyone else reads them. The moment you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and start writing, you are a writer. And no one can take that away from you.
Shifting Your Perspective on Success
If writers aren’t defined by external accomplishments, how should we define success? The answer is personal. Success doesn’t have to mean fame or fortune. It can simply mean showing up for yourself and your craft.
What success is for you depends on your goals and where you are in your journey.
Maybe success looks like finishing the messy first draft of a story you’ve been carrying in your head for years. Maybe it’s taking ten minutes a day to journal, giving your thoughts a space to land. Or maybe it’s writing a single sentence that makes you feel something. Maybe you're ready to tackle a big challenge like writing your first novel. Maybe you've already written dozens and you're looking to innovate in your genre.
These moments, no matter how large or small they seem, are all milestones to celebrate.
And different goals require different skills and practices.
You might be working on developing consistency. You might be working on overcoming self-doubt. You might be working on honing the finer points of your craft.
Those skills, and more, are essential to reach certain milestones.
But remember this:
All of these things are necessary to succeed at certain writing accomplishments, but struggling with any of them doesn't take away your identity as a writer. Just the opposite: struggling with these things is something only writers do.
Ultimately, writing isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s an ongoing relationship. Some days will be productive, others won’t.
What matters is that you keep showing up. Because that’s what writers do.
Claim Your Identity as a Writer
If you’ve made it this far, here’s the most important takeaway I want you to hear:
If you write—even occasionally, even imperfectly, even just for fun—you are a writer.
There’s no membership card. No gatekeepers. Writing is something you choose, not something you have to earn. The world doesn’t need another version of what someone else thinks a writer should be. The world needs you and your words.
And if it feels silly to call yourself a writer, try standing in front of a mirror like that woman did. Say it out loud. “I am a writer.” It might feel strange, even a little awkward—but that’s okay. Keep saying it. Because owning those words has the power to transform not just how you see yourself, but how you approach your writing.
If you’ve been waiting for permission, consider this it. Go write one sentence, start a journal, or revisit that story idea you set aside months ago. Whatever it looks like, take one small step today.
Because you’re already a writer. And the moment you believe it, you’ll unlock a world of creativity and possibility.
The world needs your words. Don’t hold back.
