Jeff Goins says, If you are writing, then you are a writer. But sometimes our insecurities counter that belief and try to convince us that we’re not enough. We’ll never be writers.

Action #1

Write I AM A WRITER on a piece of paper and post it in your workspace. Read that statement aloud to yourself. Especially in those moments when you’re feeling like getting published is out of reach. Read it over and over again until you believe it.

Don’t believe the lies.

Even some of the most well-established writers have reported they still hear that little voice telling them lies about their writing. No one will like this new book.

Action #2

Develop healthy writing habits.

Set aside a block of time, even just 15 minutes each day, to write. You’ll find those few minutes will soon multiply. Eventually, you’ll have lots of words on the page. If you don’t know what to write, start journaling. What are you thinking? How are you feeling? Writing about random topics will stir up your creative juices. You’ll find the words will come, if you just give it time.

Action #3

Turn off your inner editor.

Don’t stop and reread what you’ve already written. Stay on task, keep writing. The more often you stop to check your words, the less words you’ll get on paper. It’s not about writing perfectly. You just need to get your thoughts out of your mind. Train yourself to turn off your inner editor.

Conclusion

If you can sit at your laptop ( or desk with pen in hand) and develop the healthy habit of sitting there writing (even) random words, eventually you’ll see more words spilling out. Eventually, the words will formulate cohesive sentences. Then you’ll be ready for edits.

You can’t edit a blank paper. So go write your story.

Remember, you ARE a writer.