In a world that often equates success with external recognition, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that you have to be published to call yourself a writer (This is a trap I’ve fallen into countless times!). We see bestsellers on bookstore shelves and literary accolades splashed across social media, and we can start to feel that if we haven’t achieved these milestones, we aren’t “real” writers. But the truth is, you don’t need to be published to embrace your identity as a writer.
You don’t have to be published to be a writer.
At its core, writing is an act of creativity, introspection, and communication. It’s the process of putting thoughts, ideas, and emotions into words. Whether you’re scribbling in a journal, tapping away at your computer in a quiet coffee shop, or sharing stories around the dinner table, you are participating in the craft of writing.
Writing is as much about the journey as it is about the end result. You write to explore your ideas, to make sense of the world, and to discover parts of yourself that you might not have uncovered otherwise. Publication is simply one potential outcome. But even without that stamp of approval, the act of writing itself holds immense value.
The pressure to publish can stifle creativity.
When you tie your identity as a writer to the need for external validation, it can actually hinder your creativity. The pressure to “make it” as a published author can turn what was once a joyful expression into a chore. You might find yourself second-guessing every sentence, worrying about market trends, or writing what you think will sell rather than what truly resonates with you.
Writing, like any art, thrives in an environment where creativity is free to flourish without constraints. When you let go of the need for validation, you open yourself up to experimenting with new styles, genres, and ideas. You allow yourself to make mistakes and grow without the fear of failure.
Every writer’s journey is different.
Not every writer’s path leads to traditional publication, and that’s okay. Some writers choose to self-publish, blog, or share their work in small, intimate circles. Others write purely for themselves, finding solace and fulfillment in the practice without ever seeking an audience.
Your worth as a writer is not determined by how many books you sell or how many readers you reach. Every writer has their own journey, and what matters most is that you’re staying true to your voice and your passion for the craft.
Don’t wait to embrace your identity as a writer.
If you’re waiting for a publishing deal to call yourself a writer, it’s time to change that mindset. Writing is a lifelong practice that evolves with you. The moment you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), you are a writer. The more you embrace this identity, the more you’ll find yourself growing and evolving in your craft.
Write because you want to, not because you have to. Reclaim the joy of writing for the sake of self-expression, not for the outcome. Writing is about the act of creating, about letting your voice take shape in words, about the joy of storytelling. Whether or not your work ever makes it to print, you are still a writer—because writing isn’t about what others say; it’s about what you say, and how you say it. So, embrace your craft, write for the love of it, and know that you are a writer, no matter what.
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