Are You “Almost” an Author?

Do you identify yourself as an author? A writer?

If not, it’s time to start.

You are a writer if…

Do you write poems? Blog posts? Funny anecdotes for the church newsletter?  

Do you journal on a regular basis?

Do you assemble words into sentences and paragraphs for no other reason than because you enjoy doing it?

Do you have ideas and truths you attempt to communicate to others through some written medium?

If you answered yes to any of those questions then you are a writer. A writer is someone who writes. Simple as that.

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

Richard Bach

You are an author if…

Have you written a book, article, or report? If so, then according to the dictionary you are an author.

Don’t believe me? Then consider this.

I was talking about Almost an Author with a faculty member at a writing conference. With a smile, she asked me if I considered myself only almost an author. Then she made an interesting comment about how we use the word author.

She said that published author is a commonly used term but no one ever says unpublished author. This implies that the word author does not necessarily mean a person has been published.

In other words, if you have completed a piece of writing, you are an author. Not almost an author. Not an aspiring author. Not an author imposter.

A real, honest-to-goodness author.

Do you feel like an imposter?

I know how you feel. I struggled for years with the idea that I wasn’t good enough or successful enough to call myself a writer. But one day a wiser and more experienced writer challenged me to have the courage to begin calling myself a writer.

So I did.

And you know what? Not one person accused me of being an imposter. (I did get a few odd looks, but that’s to be expected.)

More recently I went through the same struggle over calling myself an author. I have completed multiple novel manuscripts. I have been published in magazines. I have seen my scripts performed on the stage. And yet I was loathe to call myself an author.

No more!

Three steps to claiming the title of writer (or author)

1. Internal. The first step is to begin thinking of yourself as a writer (or author). Claiming the title in your own head boosts your confidence and helps you take writing seriously. Until you are willing to think of yourself as a writer you will remain a dabbler—someone who has an excuse to quit at any time. Writers are intentional about writing. Writers mean business.
2. Among friends. The second step is to call yourself a writer (or author) among your fellow writers. Claiming the title in public can be scary, so start with those who will understand and support you. Other writers understand what it means to call yourself a writer. They understand how long and difficult it is to get published. They will not ridicule you for calling yourself a writer. (If they do, it’s time to find different writer friends.)  
3. In public. The final step is introducing yourself as a writer (or author) in public. Claiming the title of writer produces instant accountability. It implies you are actively writing. (So long as you are, you can claim the title with pride.) When you get to this step, be prepared to answer questions such as, “What do you write?” and “when will your novel be published?” You may also face skepticism or ridicule. Do not let this stop you from owning the title.

Are you ready to quit being almost an author? I hope so.

What was your biggest hurdle in referring to yourself as a writer? Let me know in the comments.

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.