Stop Waiting for Permission to

Hi all,

Today I want to talk about calling yourself a writer.

It’s about something that seems small, but it can actually have a huge impact on our creative mindset.

Let me drop this truth right at the start.

You don’t need anyone’s permission to call yourself a writer!

First things first—let’s talk about that pesky voice in your head.

You know the one I’m referring to, don’t you?

It loves to remind you of all the reasons you’re not a writer yet.

“You haven’t published anything.”

“You don’t write every day.”

“You don’t have an MFA in Creative Writing!”

Blah, blah, blah.

The only person who gets to define what a writer is is you.

So, if you’re writing, congratulations!

You’re a writer!

It’s as simple as that.

You don’t need a book deal, a blog following, or a fancy diploma to claim that title.

Your passion for weaving words, your late-night journaling, those half-finished short stories on your computer—it all counts.

Own it!

Writing is a journey, not a destination.

Just like everyone else, writers are constantly evolving, learning, and discovering their unique voices.

Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Maya Angelou—they didn’t wake up one morning and decide they were writers after completing their first draft.

They wrote, they struggled, they edited, and they grew.

Remember that every author you admire started where you are.

doubtful, scribbling away, trying to find their footing.

You might not see yourself on a bestseller list, but that doesn’t diminish your status as a writer.

Every word you type is progress.

Every poem you draft is building your craft.

So why do we feel the need to wait for permission to call ourselves writers?

It could be societal norms or the expectation to meet certain standards before we claim our identities.

Maybe we think we need to reach a certain level of success, or perhaps we fear being “found out” as impostors.

But listen, if you keep waiting for some external validation or a “writing badge of honor,” you’ll be procrastinating forever!

You’ll keep shooting down your creative impulses because you’re waiting for a cheerful “Congratulations, you’re a writer!” from someone else.

If you write, you’re already doing the thing.

You’re living your writerly dreams every time you sit down to pour out your thoughts, ideas, and tales.

But here’s the kicker: sharing your work is part of the process and also helps distance you from that inner critic.

Join a local writing group, post your work on social media, or even just share it with friends and family.

The more you share, the more confidence you’ll gain, not to mention feedback that can help you grow.

And you know what?

Even if someone doesn’t “get it” or doesn’t react the way you imagined.

They don’t define you.

Remember, the goal is to express yourself, not to please everyone.

So how do we embrace our identity as writers more fully?

Here are a few tips:

1. Write Frequently

The more you write, the more comfortable you’ll feel in your skin as a writer. Set aside that time in your day or week to whip out your journal, your laptop, or even that old notepad in the corner of your desk. Make it a habit and watch your confidence grow!

2. Surround Yourself with Other Writers

Join online forums, attend local writing workshops, or find meet-up groups in your area. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion can be contagious and motivating. Plus, having a community will help you feel validated in your identity as a writer.

3. Celebrate Your Wins

Did you finish a short story? Completed a poem? Even if it didn’t turn out how you expected, celebrate it! Appreciate your hard work and progress, no matter how small. Create a “Win Jar” and toss in notes about your accomplishments. When you’re having an off day, you can look at that jar and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.

4. Engage with Your Creative Side

Don’t just limit yourself to writing! Read voraciously, watch films, explore art, and listen to music. Engaging with creativity in different forms can inspire your own writing while reinforcing the idea that you are part of a broader artistic world.

5. Practice Affirmations

It might feel goofy at first, but affirmations can be powerful. Stand in front of a mirror and declare, “I am a writer!” Repeat it until it sinks in. It may sound silly, but treating it like a mantra can help reframe your mindset.

If you write, you are a writer.

So, dear friends, stop waiting for permission from anyone.

your family, your friends, or even that little voice in your head.

Writing is a powerful act of creation, and every time you do it, you are contributing to a richness of stories, ideas, and emotions.