Don’t Fall for These 5 Writing Myths That Can Set Back Your Writing | Jane Friedman

1. The myth of the "real writer"

"I'm not a real writer."

Why do so many aspiring authors feel as if there is some exclusive club to which we don't belong? Of course, I get it. Writing lends itself to insecurity because our stories, real or imagined, matter to us. Otherwise, why would we take on this meaningful, albeit time-consuming and often payless effort. But who are we to lay claim to such a title, especially if-Let's see, what are some of the reasons I've heard?

"I'm not a real writer because I'm not published."
"...I'm 88 years old."
"...My work isn't literary."
"...My spouse hates the way I write..."