Stepping Into Your Identity as an Author

Many writers hesitate to call themselves “authors.” And maybe that’s okay. The definition of author suggests publication.

Most dictionaries would say this:

au·thor| ˈôTHər | 

noun

• someone who writes a book, article, or report
• someone who writes books as a profession 

 And the definition doesn’t even mention publication. Perhaps we can agree that people who have written a complete book, article, or report are authors, published or not. 

But then, why would someone who writes be afraid to call themselves a “writer” when any dictionary you consult confirms that if you write, you are a writer? Is it because the deniers write in the margins of their day rather than full time? Because they write during lunch breaks, after the kids go to bed, or in early morning hours when the world is still quiet?  As even with words on the page, there’s often a lingering sense that it’s not quite real — that taking the label is not quite “legit.”

writ·er| ˈrīdər | 

noun

• a person who writes books, stories, or articles as a job or regular occupation

I don’t think you need me to define “job.” But the modern extension includes “side hustles.” Yet for some, even with a book published and listed on Amazon and other sites, they will insist, “But I’m not really a writer.” They seem to feel most comfortable reducing their writing to “something they do on the side.” The shift from hobbyist to professional doesn’t happen when you get published. It happens the moment you decide to take what you are producing seriously.

What Is a Hobbyist Mindset?

Many people respect writers, which is why writing a book is a good business move. But it’s hard to claim a title you respect so much based on famous books that have helped you. Plus, the hobbyist mindset is safe. It allows you to write without pressure, without deadlines, without risk. 

Signs you might be in hobby-mode: 

– You write only when you feel like it 

– You’re reluctant to invest time or money into your writing 

– You apologize when people ask what you do — “I’m trying to write a book,” or  “It’s just a side thing”

There’s nothing wrong with writing for fun. But if you want to publish, grow, and reach readers, it’s time to make the internal leap. Trust me–do this and you will write a better book. 

What Does It Mean to Go Pro?

Going pro doesn’t mean you quit your job or get a book deal. It means you commit. This means:

 – You carve out writing time like you would for any other job 

– You seek feedback and mentorship

 – You treat your writing with respect

Professional writers know the work matters — and that their time and talent are worth investing in. They show up, even when it’s hard.

Own Your Identity

When you say, “I am a writer,” something shifts. You’re no longer dabbling. You’re showing up with intention. You stop making excuses. And that identity shift will influence everything else — how you schedule your time, how you introduce yourself, how you respond to rejection.

So I invite you to declare it. Own it. Claim the label.

Celebrating Our Writers
At WYSAS, We’re so proud of how we help writers take their writing seriously and become authors. We regularly celebrate our authors, announcing milestones  within our writing communities, posting their new books on social media, spotlighting them in our newsletter and blog. And on Sunday (8th June 2025) members of our WRITE NOW Club are gathering to celebrate:

• Three drafts ready for beta reads
• Two finalized books ready to upload to online platforms
• One book accepted by a top literary agency
• One proposal ready to be submitted to agents
• One complex manuscript almost at the first draft stage
• Original research celebrated and presented before professional bodies
• Our published books found in unexpected places (i.e., Scott discovered Frankie Cameron’s Hollow Edge in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario)
• Writers writing—completing challenges, working on improving their craft,  and maintaining the momentum required to get to “The End.”
• And we’ll go support an author who is signing books 

PLUS get a head start on a new creative compilation—more on this to follow
Did you know WRITE NOW Club writers have produced two compilations already?