How To Become And Identify As A Writer? Follow These Two Steps.
Art For Art's Sake: Vol 2 Part 18
Over the years, I have understood that the real battle is not figuring out what to write and how to write.
The real battle is becoming and identifying yourself as a writer.
Have you ever had a tough time with a draft that doesn't seem to work out? Or do you have multiple projects starting but never reaching the end? Or do you feel so overwhelmed that you're not even beginning your project? Or finishing it but are scared to death to share it with the public?
In some cases, it may be that you don't have enough writing techniques in your toolbox. But from what I have experienced in my writing life so far, it's more of a mindset problem. Or a lack thereof.
Reaching a mindset that helps you embrace yourself as a writer is essential. You may know all the skills and techniques that make good writing, but if you don't ease into your existence as a writer, you'll not reach your full potential. You'll continuously fight yourself with negative self-talk and take external validations too seriously. Then you'll be fighting your creations as well.
Once you win this battle, learning what to write and how to write it becomes a walk in the park.
As of now, I have found that there are two steps to becoming and identifying yourself as a writer.
Know That You Are A Writer
Poet Mark Nepo explained this best in his The Book Of Awakening, entry August 31st.
When he started out as a poet, he so badly wanted to achieve this dream of his that he imagined it like climbing a hill. But when he did reach there, it didn't fulfil him. He kept trying until he realised he didn't need to become a poet - he already was.
The first step to becoming and identifying yourself as a writer is to know that YOU ALREADY ARE A WRITER.
Of course, you need to put in the work. You need to figure out how you will express yourself, which will require exploration and experimentation. But first, accept that you are a writer. Believe that you are a writer. Embrace the fact that you have dreamt this dream. And never for a second doubt that belief.
Cast Vote In Your Favour
This is a lesson I learnt from Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Along with knowing that you are a writer, the next step is to PROVE THAT TO YOURSELF THROUGH SMALL WINS.
As consistently as life would allow you (preferably daily), write. Just write. Your work can be as long or as short as you want. The word counts don't matter, nor does the time. It doesn't even need to be finished in one session. Simply show yourself you are a writer by showing up and writing as much as sustainably possible. Forget the outcome; be the writer you are.
You will realise that becoming and identifying yourself as a writer has nothing to do with being accepted by the public.
It's about accepting yourself.
Once you do that and write from that space, the right words will pour out of you and reach the right people.
