Getting Started as a Writer

Calling Yourself a Writer

Most people who write do so as an integral part of their life, whether or not they write for money or publication - yet many of these people would hesitate to call themselves a writer. There is a lot of truth in the saying that whether you think you are or you think you aren't, you're probably right. If you spend any amount of time writing and if you enjoy the task, whether or not it's seen by others, then you are, as Natalie Goldberg said, a writer. The problem for many of us is it can take years (and with some, never) for us to take the step of calling ourselves a writer. If you love writing and want to do more of it then start by saying out loud, "I am a writer", you'll be surprised how this affects your attitude to writing over time. Again, according to Natalie Goldberg, once you declare yourself a writer the universe goes into action to help you truly feel like and become what you already are. It took me more than 15 years after I first read Natalie Goldberg's advice before I began calling myself a writer.

Now You're a Writer

Keep telling yourself that you are a writer every day, these affirmations help to fix the idea in your head so that your actions will start to follow. If you don't already keep a journal, start one now. You can write about your ordinary life experiences and what you hope to achieve now that you are a writer. Plans for poems and stories if you see yourself primarily as a creative writer. Future plans for getting your writing online and perhaps starting a career as a freelance writer can also go in your journal.

A Writer and Organisation

Now that you have recognised yourself as a writer, you need to organse your day so that you have time to write. If you can only carve out ten minutes to begin with, don't worry, the real secret to being a writer and writing well, is to write on a regular basis. Once you get into the habit of writing every day the next step is to set up your writing space, but that s for another post. Do you write, and if so, when did you start calling yourself a writer.