Am I Meant To Be A Writer?

This is a question we writers ask ourselves on the daily. It's the beginning of imposter syndrome, stage 2 of writers block, and simply a question we must answer before we move on.

You might be deciding on your next steps in life, perhaps you've given writing a crack and needing a bit of reassurance.

Writing might be for you and this just a point in life made to test you. Perhaps you're asking this for a specific reason and it's time to move on with your career. Let's find out:

When You Have A Story In Your Head, Do You Feel Compelled To Write It Down?

Yes - Many people who are 'meant' to be writers will feel like there is nothing more important in this world than writing down their thoughts and stories. It's something we must do and no one will stop us.

No - This isn't a bad thing. This means boundaries are easy for you and you can turn your writing brain off without a thought. If you want to carry on in this career, keep going. If there is something else you really want to do, give that a go and see which one you like better.

Are You Feeling Tired And Burnt Out From Your Writing?

Yes - This happens to all writers during their career. Perhaps that book took more energy than you were expecting. Perhaps you had a client that sucked the life out of you. Perhaps you've forgotten to come up for fresh air and you've just been powering through. Take a break, take a breath. You may just need a holiday before you come back to your writing.

No - This could just mean you're new, you haven't been pushing yourself to breaking point (good job!), or you're good at setting boundaries. If you're not feeling burnt out and your still asking if writing is meant for you, I do understand your question. If you've tried it and you don't like it, move on. Writing is not for the faint hearted and it's not doing to bring in the money - at least not at first. If there is something else you can do, do it.

Is There Another Calling?

Yes - Is there another path calling your name? Is something drawing you to another career, hobby, distraction? Whatever it is, go for it. I'm being serious. Let it distract you from your writing and see if the show fits. If you want to come back to writing, you'll have something to write about. And if you don't want to come back... That just means you're enjoying yourself - congratulations!

No - Same. Stick with writing. Ride out the waves of hurt and disappointment, they'll be there and they'll be there a lot. Remember the joy and relief you feel as you watch the words be typed out on a page. Give yourself a break and come back in a day or 2 (or 3...)

Writing isn't for everyone but most people who do write feel like there is nothing else they can do. For those who've found another passion or career are the lucky ones. Us writers will be stuck in the trenches for a while. Happy writing and best of luck out there.