Let’s cut through the clutter and get straight to the point: if you write, you’re a writer. And if you’re a writer, you write. It’s as simple as that.
Yet, we often find ourselves tangled in justifications for procrastination and fear-based excuses for holding back. In doing so, we deny the world the gift of our words.
Here’s a fresh perspective on writing: Stop talking about it and start doing it.
Sure, it might not be groundbreaking advice, but it’s worth internalizing. Because all around us, aspiring writers are busying themselves with everything except the act of writing:
- They’re joining writers’ groups;
- They’re engaging in writing prompts;
- They’re scheduling coffee dates with authors.
While these activities aren’t inherently bad, they’re not writing. And let’s be honest: time is finite. We only have so many hours in a day, so many days in a year.
Even prolific authors like Stephen King must decline many invitations to focus on their writing. And you will too.
The starting point is both simple and challenging:
Just write. Practice.
Nobody said you have to be good—at least not right away. Embrace the opportunity to stumble and learn, because the true failure lies in never trying. It’s in endlessly discussing writing instead of actually doing it.
So here’s the straightforward truth: Write. And as you do, embrace the identity of a writer. The more you believe in this truth, the more you’ll write, and the better you’ll become. It’s a beautiful cycle.
So what are you waiting for? Begin.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider exploring the eBook that inspired this article: “You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One).” I’ve recently released a new package that includes a four-part audio teaching on what it truly means to be a writer in the 21st century.