7 Reasons Why You ARE A Writer

Deep inside every writer's mind is a voice that says 'But you're not a real writer'. It does everything it can to keep us from believing in ourselves. It feeds on self-consciousness and uncertainty, and will give you every reason to give up. . . If you listen. The most determined writers know how to tune this voice out, but it takes practice. And there's no shame in needing encouragement from outside sources; if there was, I wouldn't be writing this for you.

Here it is, then: 7 reasons why you're a writer, no matter what that little voice - or anyone else - tries to tell you.

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1. You Are Passionate

You love what you do. It's that simple. There's something inside of you that not only needs to write, but gets an adrenaline boost at the idea of putting meaningful words on a page. You don't always feel passionate, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Human nature always has a reason for doing what we do, so remember why you write. Remember your first love, your reason for doing this, the truth you want to tell the world.

Another thing: Don't let anyone tell you that passion and inspiration are for 'amateurs'. The very word amateur means 'lover of'. Whether you're a so-called expert or not, being in love with your work is an advantage, not a disgrace. And in turn, your reader will fall in love with your passion.

2. You Are Dedicated

Just as important as being passionate. Inspiration helps, but a truly dedicated writer doesn't sit around and wait for it. Even if you aren't able to grind out more than one sentence in a day, you still make time to give yourself the opportunity to do more. You work hard at becoming the best writer you can be, and people see it.

You show up. You do what you can. Sometimes there's physical progress, and sometimes all you can manage is a complex daydream or some editing. It doesn't matter. As long as you keep coming back, your work will pay off.

3. You Are Invested

And I don't mean you have to go to every writing convention within 500 miles. I've never been to one in my life. Events are great, but I'm talking about a less physical kind of investment. I'm talking about your time, your energy, your dreams and plans. We invest our resources in whatever is important to us. We invest our souls in whatever is important to us, in the things we treasure.

So whether you're a convention-goer or not, you've still chosen to invest something much more valuable than money. Time is so precious, but even that pales in comparison to your heart.

4. You Are Curious

What do writers have in common with travelers?

Bingo. We're curious about the world around us. But not just the outside world, not just cities and food and architecture. We're curious about the worlds inside ourselves. Our beliefs, our struggles, our unique way of seeing things - YOUR unique way of seeing things - and we process all this information in our writing. It's our way of conveying our questions and ideas to other people.

When something is beautiful or painful or terrifying, it moves artists to creation. Painters paint, dancers dance, and writers. . . We write. We do our best to reconcile what we see and hear with what we believe. We invoke the names of heroes and villains, courage and cowardice, good and evil. That's how we process, how we communicate, how we explore.

5. You Are Gifted

You may have heard this a lot. I hope you have, because it's true. You have a beautiful gift, the gift of words, just as some have gifts of healing or hospitality or wisdom. Don't hide it. God gives us these abilities with the intention that we will use them. He created you with utmost care and purpose, and as He did, He said "This one will be a writer". And isn't that the opinion that matters most?

6. You Are Courageous

Aye, mate. You are brave. It takes guts to take on any part of this process. It takes guts to decide you want to write a story, to actually do it, to finish it and draft it and edit it - and it takes so much courage to put it out into the world. This is your baby after all, the product of your sweat and tears. It carries part of your soul and the very idea of sending it out for other people to inspect and critique is terrifying. And deciding to forge ahead anyway - it's not for the faint of heart.

You are by no means faint of heart.

7. You Are Enough

You. I'm talking about you. You, who doubt your ability, your worth, even your sanity sometimes. You are enough, because the only person you ought to compare yourself to is you through Jesus' eyes. If you're a child of God, then you are everything you need to be. Still growing, still learning, as a writer and a person - but you are on your own unique journey, and no one else can take it as well as you can. Comparison is futile.

You are passionate enough. You are dedicated enough. You are invested enough. You are curious enough. You are gifted enough. You are courageous enough.

You ARE a writer.

- Lydia