What's a writer?

How I've recently embraced the term and why you should too

It's a cliche question but it has some merit because the answers are so variable. For some people, being a writer means that they write. For others, it's more about external validation of their work. And then there are all the people in the middle.

And, that's where I sit. I'm not 100% sure I'm a writer in the traditional sense of the word - I've only ever had a piece published as part of the writing programme I joined (see a picture of it below, you can read it here). But, nothing professional yet. And in the past, that would deter me.

It's a question that's plagued me for years. Up until this last year, I've been too afraid to call myself a writer, worried that it promises something that I can't deliver but now I embrace the term. From my first ever story (heavily inspired by my 12-year-old's obsession with Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series) to the failed stories that litter my drafts (hello Bloomfield Manor, one day I'll turn you into something) to my current work in progress (an Indian-inspired fantasy with queens and pirates).

It's been my dream since I was a teenager to be an author but that's slightly different to being a writer. There's a subtle nuance there. And, the term 'writer' can be used with disdain, to suggest that there's nothing proper or professional about it. Yet, all the greats of the literary world are often referred to as writers instead of authors (Jhumpa Lahiri, Salman Rushdie etc.) so maybe that stands me in good stead.

Turns out, I've always been a writer. At least according to the Oxford Dictionary:

Writer: a person who has written something or who writes in a particular way.

So, I'm turning my hand to a different kind of writing. I still want to publish my novel one day but I think I need something new to push me outside of my comfort zone. That's why I'm here. I've always loved words so it's time to put my thoughts out there. It's given me a new sense of confidence because now I'm a writer by my standards. And, that's all that matters.

I'll leave you with one final thought, a lesson that's taken me this long to learn: to be a writer, all you need to do is write.

See you soon ✨

P.S. If you're interested in hearing more about my novel, let me know!