Stop calling yourself a writer until you can answer these 15 questions

 

So, you want to be a writer? Awesome! The world always needs people who can wield words with skill and finesse. But let's get real for a minute. In today's crowded digital space, simply wanting to be a writer isn't enough. Anyone can slap a bio on their social media and declare themselves a wordsmith. But what truly separates the hobbyists from the pros? What does it really mean to be a writer in a world of content overload and shrinking attention spans?

If you're serious about this writing thing, it's time for a gut check. Forget the flowery language and romantic notions of "inspiration." Let's dig into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to thrive as a writer today.

The 15-Question Gauntlet (Inspired by "Are You A Writer?")

 

(Instead of just listing the questions, we'll turn them into engaging points with a bit more elaboration)

1. The Inspiration Myth: Do you only write when the muse whispers sweet nothings in your ear? Or are you disciplined enough to treat writing like a job, showing up even when you'd rather binge-watch Netflix? Real writers build habits; they don't wait for lightning to strike.
2. Niche It or Ditch It: Can you explain exactly what you write about? "Everything" isn't an answer. Clarity is key. Readers (and clients) need to know what to expect from you. What's your writing superpower?
3. The Editing Abyss: Do you hit "publish" on your first draft? Ouch. Editing isn't optional; it's essential. Ruthless self-editing separates the good from the great. Be prepared to kill your darlings (those sentences you love a little too much).
4. Clarity is Queen (or King): Can you break down complex ideas so a fifth-grader could understand them? Jargon is the enemy. Simplicity is your weapon. If you confuse, you lose readers.
5. Who Are You Writing For, Anyway?: Writing into the void gets you nowhere. Do you really know your audience? What are their pain points, their desires, their questions? Writing with them in mind is how you build connection and impact.
6. Deadline Dance: Can you deliver quality work under pressure? Deadlines aren't suggestions; they're promises. Professional writers manage their time and meet expectations, no excuses.
7. The Reader's Edge: When was the last time you devoured a book, blog, or article? Writers are readers first. Reading fuels your creativity, expands your vocabulary, and exposes you to different styles.
8. Tone It Up: Can you switch your writing voice like you change your clothes? From formal reports to snappy social media captions, versatility is a must.
9. Feedback Fire: How do you handle criticism? Do you crumble, or do you use it to fuel your growth? The ability to receive and apply feedback is a superpower.
10. SEO Savvy: Are you writing for humans and search engines? Understanding basic SEO isn't selling out; it's being smart. You want your words to be found, right?
11. Show Me the Goods: Do you have a portfolio? A collection of your best work? "Trust me, I'm good" doesn't cut it. You need proof.
12. Beyond the Personal: Have you ever written for someone else? Gotten paid for your words? Writing for yourself is different from writing for a client with specific goals and expectations.
13. Idea Ignition: Can you take a vague concept and turn it into a clear, compelling piece? Clients often give you a starting point, not a finished manuscript. Brainstorming and outlining are your secret weapons.
14. Persuasion Power: Can you write in a way that influences people without being pushy or salesy? All writing involves some level of persuasion. The key is to focus on benefits, not just features.
15. The Authority Factor: Do people seek you out for writing help? If so, it's a good sign you've built credibility and expertise.

So, how did you do? Be honest. This isn't about perfection; it's about progress. If you answered "yes" to most of these, congratulations! You're on the right track. Keep honing your skills and putting in the work.

If you found yourself saying "no" a little too often, don't despair. This is a starting point, not a judgment. Now you know what to focus on. Pick one or two areas to improve and start taking action.

What's one writing skill you're committed to improving this week? Share in the comments!