Say I am a writer

A very well-known writer of my acquaintance once said that a key bridge for any writer to cross is to admit, to themselves and to the world, that they are a writer.

A writer, when presented with an opportunity to out themselves, will often hesitate. They’ll say they do a bit of writing, or that they dabble, or that they turn their hand to it from time to time.

Nothing major.

Nothing serious.

It matters, though, to say it plainly.

I am a writer.

The act of saying it is important.

Buy On The Way Out in your local bookstore or from our online store

Self-doubt sits deep in the writer’s psyche. There is always someone better. Look how that writer twists a plot until you’re so deep in the action, you’re looking over your shoulder, waiting to be bumped off.

Or how that writer – God, I hate him – can suspend the drama so deftly, holding it just beyond your reach, teasing you in, until you are a craven mess seeking the pay-off.

That other writer completes metaphors like, like…like I don’t know what.

If you find yourself writing, even now and then, try declaring yourself thus. Punch self-doubt into a corner.

Buy On The Way Out in your local bookstore or from our online store

Stand up this very moment, especially if you’re in company, whether known to you or not, and shout it loud.

I am a writer.

And leave it at that. Let the full stop do its work. No apologies. No qualifications. No disclaimers. Let the room adjust to the fact that they are now in the presence of a writer. If you have a notebook with you, take up a side profile position at the window and offer the mid-distance a meaningful look.

More on the craft of writing: See HERE. I’m adding to this on an ongoing basis. As I learn, hopefully you can too. Every day is school day for us all.