You Are A Writer summary

The Journey to Becoming a Writer

In You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of the writing life. Goins begins by asserting that if you write, you are a writer. He encourages us to embrace this identity and see ourselves as professionals, regardless of our publication status. He emphasizes the importance of believing in our writing abilities and taking ourselves seriously as writers.

Goins shares his own story of transition from a corporate world to a life dedicated to writing. He underlines the pivotal moment when he decided to call himself a writer and began to act like one. This shift in mindset, he claims, is what separates aspiring writers from the real ones.

Developing a Writing Practice

Goins then delves into the importance of developing a consistent writing practice. He advocates for the 'write every day' mantra, emphasizing the power of discipline and routine in honing our craft. He suggests that it's not about finding time to write, but about making time for it every day. This, he argues, is the key to becoming a better writer.

Focusing on the process rather than the end product is another essential aspect of Goins' philosophy. He encourages us to write for the love of it, rather than for fame or fortune. The joy of creation, he believes, is the true reward of being a writer.

Overcoming Fear and Resistance

Goins addresses the common obstacles that writers face, such as fear, self-doubt, and resistance. He emphasizes the need to push through these barriers and continue writing, despite the inner critic. He suggests that acknowledging our fears and insecurities can help us move past them and keep writing.

The concept of 'shipping' is another key idea that Goins introduces. Shipping refers to the act of putting our work out into the world, regardless of its imperfections. He argues that perfectionism often holds us back and shipping our work is crucial for growth and progress as writers.

Building a Platform and Finding Your Audience

As we progress through You Are a Writer, Goins shifts our focus from the act of writing to the business of being a writer. He discusses the importance of building a platform and finding our audience. This involves creating a presence online, networking with other writers, and engaging with potential readers.

Goins shares practical tips for developing a strong online presence, including building a website, starting a blog, and utilizing social media. He also emphasizes the significance of cultivating a community around our writing, as it can provide support, feedback, and potential readers.

Pursuing Your Writing Dreams

In the final section of the book, Goins encourages us to pursue our writing dreams with confidence and determination. He reminds us that being a writer is not just about writing, but about embracing the entire journey - the struggles, the rejections, and the triumphs.

He concludes by reiterating his central message: if you write, you are a writer. He urges us to own this identity, commit to our writing practice, and continue pursuing our dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. In the end, You Are a Writer is a call to action, an invitation to fully embrace the writer within us and live a life dedicated to the written word.