Three Actions That Finally Made Me Call Myself a Writer

03 Jun 2026 #writing

For years, I was afraid of calling myself a writer.

In 2024, I doubled down on my writing. After burning out and getting laid off, I paused my coding career. I filled my days writing a daily post and studying my writing heroes.

Hundreds of posts later, “writer” still felt impossible. I thought I needed a big follower count and a best-seller.

Of course, that was my inner critic talking.

Make your first $1

One rabbit hole took me to an interview with Devon Eriksen, a sci-fi author.

He said,

“If you’ve written and you’ve gotten paid for it, you’re a writer.”

Thanks to my blog, a company asked me to write tutorials for their website. Somebody had already paid for my words. In your face, inner voice.

Earn at least $1, and the title is yours.

Do the thing and hold the title

If money is out of the equation, redefine what makes you hold a title.

I had to ask myself who a writer is. That’s someone who teaches, entertains, or inspires using words.

If I was teaching, entertaining, or inspiring with words, that already made me a writer. And I was one the moment I decided to take writing seriously.

Do the work, keep improving, and you own the title.

“In a journey to…”

Often a new title is behind redefining your own labels.

Sometimes it’s as simple as updating your email and social media bios. Something like “Coder turned digital writer” or “I’m on a journey to make a living writing.”

And when someone asks you what you do, plug your new title. “I’m a software engineer, but these days I’m writing a book.” It also helps you share your new projects.

Writing books finally quieted my inner voice. If you’re into coding or personal growth, my books are waiting here.