Am I Even a Writer? On Writing Identity and Practice

Am I Even a Writer? On Writing Identity and Practice

I’m excited to share that I’m working on a new book titled Am I Even a Writer? This quick-read, available on Amazon in January 2025, explores questions at the heart of what it means to be a writer, including issues of writing identity, writing practice, self-permission, and authenticity. A conversation-in-print, Am I Even a Writer? is meant to offer insights and inspiration to anyone who’s wondering if they can truly call themselves a writer.

The book is based on the first of five deep, wide-ranging conversations I had with my friend Melissa Jo Hill on our podcast Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel. During this initial conversation, Mel and I touch on worries about our identities as writers and whether a writing practice might help us feel more like the “real thing.”

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OePUCkUq1EY/maxresdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEmCIAKENAF8quKqQMa8AEB-AH-CYAC0AWKAgwIABABGHIgTyg2MA8=&rs=AOn4CLA2L7jWPGdW0Cz2ppjPbWUE85_qWw

As a writing coach, I’ve worked with many folks who are passionate about writing–but who may stumble over creative self-doubt: Am I a real writer? they might ask. Or, Do I have the skills to tell my story effectively? Through insights, practical reflections, and shared stories, Am I Even a Writer? On Writing Identity and Practice invites readers to consider these and other questions about what it means to be a writer, along with Mel and me.

Of course, writing is more than just putting words on a page. We can write as a personal practice, a way of exploring who we are; or as a way to share our stories with others—and for a hundred other nuanced purposes in between. In Am I Even a Writer? we’ll consider the value of having a writing practice and what having a practice does (or doesn’t) mean about our identity as writers.

Does Writing Practice Make Perfect?

Whether you do free-writing exercises, daily journaling, or sit down at your desk regularly to develop outlines, scenes, or chapters, writing practice can you make sense of your thoughts, unlock creativity, and deepen your connection to your work. But is writing as a practice—albeit one that allows us to explore without judgment and find our voice at our own pace—a prerequisite to calling ourselves “writer”?

Am I Even a Writer? On Writing Identity and Practice is meant to be encouraging to anyone on the writer’s path. Short and sweet—and funny and poignant—this tiny pocket guide to big questions is a quick, approachable read. Am I Even a Writer? will be available on Amazon in January 2025. I invite you to join Mel and me then to share in this journey of self-reflection, practice, and connection.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll explore the writing resources on my site for tips, prompts, articles, and discussions to support your writing journey.

Posted in News, Notes & Quotes | Comments Off on Am I Even a Writer? On Writing Identity and Practice

Comments are closed.

Copyright ©2024 Jamie Morris LLC| Connect | Privacy Policies | Terms & Conditions