I know I'm a writer because ____.

(Fill in the blank, please!)

Hi, writer dear.

As it turns out, I have more to say about commitment.

Commitment to our words is how we build and sustain the roots that make us a writer. It’s how we create the time to sit down, again and again, to a blank page. It’s how we push ourselves into places we might not think we belong: writing workshops, literary festivals, book tours. Commitment is how we keep going.

If it’s of interest, I’m happy to share more specifics about one of the best things I’ve done to feel like (and accept and believe) I’m a writer. For now, the short version is this: I kept talking about it.

To the family and friends who have always taken my writing seriously.¹ To the fellow writers in my life. To the strangers I meet who ask me what I do, who I am.

Because, when something is important and precious and even a little bit scary to us, we talk about it. We invite others to witness this piece of ourselves. We build communities with people who get it. We seek advice and solidarity and all of this deepens our resolve.

This is why I rave about my daily 100-word promise I keep to myself. Why I shout from the rooftops about #1000wordsofsummer, the (happening-at-this-very-minute!) writing challenge that thousands and thousands of writers cherish.

Why I so frequently invite you to tell me—us—what commitment to your words looks like for you.

This month, I challenge you to talk about your writing more than you usually do. Tell people (even vaguely!) what you’re working on. Ask for guidance from writers you trust. Introduce yourself as the writer you already are.

“I know I’m a writer because __________.”

“I deserve to call myself a writer because __________.”

“Hi, my name is __________. I’m a writer.”

The comments section of this post is an excellent way to do that.² Let us know what you write and why you love it. Tell us how and when and where you put the words to the page. What are you working on? What are you most proud of? Is there anything you have questions about, or need some cheerleading for?

Let’s take the small-and-scary-but-significant step of talking about our writing. This month, I’m going to regularly check the comments section of this post, and I hope you do, too. I want to know more about the writers who read this newsletter. I want you to get to know each other. Most importantly, I want you to publicly claim your identity as a writer—especially if that feels intimidating to do.

I promise you it will be worth it.

Thank you for being a writer—and for telling us about it!—and, as always, thank you for being a reader of Writer Dear.

~Kerry

1. This is a luxury I know that not all writers have, even though that’s exactly what they deserve.

2. If you’re reading this post as an email, scroll to the end. You’ll see buttons to like, comment, and restack.