The Four Words Every New Writer Needs to Hear:

Are you brave enough to call yourself a writer?

It’s a big step.

One that seems to come with expectations—thick novels, fat book contracts, and maybe the occasional bout of carpal tunnel syndrome.

That’s why, for years, most people had no idea I’d been quietly learning to write.

That I had secretly inducted myself into the sacred group of those who put ink to page with such passion and resolve we might as well be writing in our own blood. 

Okay, I’ll cut the melodrama (even though I know many of you feel that deeply).

Some people start calling themselves writers after finishing their first short story. Others wait until they’ve started that big manuscript. Some don’t feel worthy of the title until they’ve spent money—writing courses, memberships, how-to books—like it’s a professional badge.

So, when do you officially become a writer?

For me? It happened in the greeting card aisle. 

By that point, I’d been part of a writers’ guild for several years and was knee-deep in the third draft of my novel—but I still felt like an imposter calling myself a writer.

If you’d asked me then, I would’ve said I was an “aspiring novelist” who hoped to become something more.

I was looking for a birthday card for my wife. Normally, I’d grab something sappy and uninspired and dress it up with a heartfelt note. But suddenly, it felt… wrong.

Why was I letting someone else write to my bride when I—standing a little straighter now, hands on hips—am a writer?

I had studied. I had written and re-written an entire book. I was getting better every single day.

Surely no Hallmark desk jockey could say it better than the man who chose her for the rest of his life.

Oops. Did it again with the drama.

Anyway, I picked a blank card. I’ve been a writer ever since.

The irony isn’t lost on me—that this was the moment I planted my flag.

But that’s the beauty of this art: the honorable title of Writer goes far beyond books.

Blogs, articles, short stories, novellas—birthday cards.
Our writership shines through in all we do.

And storytelling matters just as much in nonfiction as it does in fiction.

So what if you’re just getting started? How can you become a writer?

When I finished my sixth manuscript re-write and finally worked up the nerve to share it, I was surprised by how many people said, “I’ve always wanted to write a book.” The words came with a familiar tone—regret. Like it was something they missed their chance at. Something they couldn’t learn.

But they can. You can.

That’s the great news. And it all starts with four words:

Writing can be taught.

Beautiful, right?
Those words changed everything for me. Learning to write became a real goal, an attainable goal.

The first time I heard them was from Jerry B. Jenkins—21-time New York Times bestselling author, with more than 200 books to his name. And man, did I need to hear them. Because deep down, I’d always hoped it was true: that writers aren’t just born. They’re made.

Sure, a knack for wordsmithing helps. But with training, feedback, and a lot of reps, anyone can cross that threshold—from dreamer to doer.

To help you get started, grab my FREE PDF:

“10 Tips to Instantly Improve Your Writing.” It’s short, practical, and immediately useful.

Want more helpful tips?

My blogs to follow will have lots of insight for new writers starting out on this worthy and exciting journey. Read more here

Now I’d love to hear from you: When did you first decide you were a writer?
And if you haven’t yet, I hope today is the day you start.