You Are A Writer. Period.

Recently, notable author Glennon Doyle posted a video of herself answering frequently asked questions. One of the questions she addressed related to how one goes about knowing if they’re a writer. I couldn’t have disagreed more with how Doyle described the ways one knows they’re a writer.

In my admittedly minced-up summation, Doyle shared that if you feel it so deeply, and writing is all you can think about, and that if you can’t not write, then you know you’re a writer. That was her explanation. As if there’s some internal innate driver that either one has, or doesn’t have.

I can tell you from experience, at 53, after writing numerous articles, and now even a first book, based on her criteria, I still couldn’t definitely declare myself a writer. Some days I feel it, some days I don’t. I’m sure there are writers who could agree with her and say it’s in their blood. Maybe that internal certainty was how it was for her. But there’s more to this Who is a Writer? story.

I don’t think an innate internal driver earns the key as the title definer.

In my opinion, anyone is a writer. Everyone is a writer. If you write, anything, at all, at any time, for any reason, you are a writer. Period. And you should be! Writing is a form of expression like painting, or music, or knitting, or cooking. It facilitates access to an inner world we may not always make room for. And why put an idealized version of it on a pedestal that seems out of reach or better than?

If you enjoy writing, or would like to explore writing, or use writing to explore something deeper about yourself or the world, then you’re a writer. Because you are writing. The concept is a verb.

Doyle’s assessment of the definition didn’t sit right. Because I know so many people who want to write, and are totally afraid to, because they think that being a “writer” looks like something in particular. They have a vision of who, or what, a writer is. They’re convinced that they don’t fit that vision, without ever giving expression a chance. Therefore, they’re not qualified or worthy. Ultimately, what happens, is they don’t write. They’ve killed the prospect before giving creativity a chance to breathe.

“Writer” is just a title. It’s a label. It creates a framework of identity for our self or others. Much like all titles we carry over time, titles are not who we are. I spent four years writing a book on this topic, “Me, My Selfie & Eye.” It explores the deep nature of identity, professional titles, and ultimately discovering how important it is we know that who we are, is not what we do. I’m a firm believer that we are so much more.

I’m teaching a free online workshop once a week since this whole pandemic started. It’s called “Write About Now!” I started it because I wanted people to have an outlet to explore some of the confusion, grief, and uncertainty we’re collectively experiencing on this planet. I wanted people to have a consistent nurtured outlet to relieve some of the pain.

Also, I feel passionately about breaking down the barriers people construct to hold themselves back by believing only “writers” can or should write. I feel we must support this fragile endeavor. I want to encourage voice, connection, and community through words and stories.

Of the hundred or so people who have joined my workshop over the eight weeks, only one actually writes as a paid profession. Is she the only real “writer?” Yet, everyone else who’s been on the Zoom classes, has had amazing beautiful interesting subjects and ideas and words they’ve written about. I’ve seen people open up, blossom, gain confidence, expand their voices. It’s been amazing to be part of.

Several of the people were terrified to write, let alone in a group, because they said they weren’t “writers.” I’ve learned so much being beside these brave souls as they explore their hearts through words, and immersed in the process of individual expression through the act of writing. Hearing each person, read out loud, and share what they’ve written’s been a true honor.

What I want to impart to you, to anyone, and to everyone, is that being a “writer“ is not reserved for an exclusive title. Absolutely every single person, including you, has access to write, purpose to write, and worthiness to write, just in who you are. I highly encourage you to write because there’s a need for diversity in voices, and ideas, and creativity, and expression.

These, and your expression of these, are absolutely necessary all the time. Not just now, and especially now. Everybody’s lives have taken twists and turns and have been filled with heartbreak and wisdom. Including yours. You have stories. You have voice. Your expression of how you see the world is unique and beautiful. Put the words down! Let us hear them. After all, you’re a writer!