How to Find Your Identity as a Writer

Figuring out who you are as a writer is one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. In this post, I want to share how I found my own voice and give you some tips to help you do the same. Embracing my true writer identity didn’t just improve my craft—it boosted my confidence and brought me so much joy. When I stopped writing for ‘the market’ and started to place worth in myself instead of letting others determine my worth, everything changed. And I believe that when we’re true to ourselves, we create stories that really connect with people. So, let’s dive in!

What Is Writer Identity?

Your writer identity isn’t just about genre, voice, or themes. It’s about what drives you, what excites you, and how you see the world. When I was starting out, I thought ‘finding my voice’ meant copying styles I admired or writing what I thought would sell. But honestly? That left me feeling unfulfilled. The best stories come from authenticity, not trying to fit into someone else’s mould.

Let Go of Expectations

Trying to write for the market or meet other people’s expectations can crush creativity. Ask yourself: Who am I really writing for? Literary agents? Other writers? My own inner critic? While some structure is good (we all want our writing to make sense!), trying too hard to please others can block your natural flow. When I let go of those pressures, I started writing stories that felt real and honest. And guess what? The most impactful books often break the ‘rules’ and start new trends instead.

Find What You Love

Think about what truly excites you. Your life experiences, interests, and passions all shape the kind of stories you’ll want to tell. Ask yourself:

• Do you visit escape rooms with your friends and solve crossword puzzles before bed? Perhaps you’re a mystery writer.
• Have you been branded a daydreamer by teachers and did you grow up creating worlds with Lego? Sci-fi or fantasy might be your calling.
• Do you tear up at weddings and love people watching in a cosy café? Romance could be your niche.

For me, I’m obsessed with understanding what makes people tick. Human psychology fascinates me, and that’s why my stories dive deep into emotions, mental health, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Your passions will naturally find their way into your writing too, so lean into them!

Identify Your Strengths

Instead of worrying about what you’re not great at, focus on what you do well. As my Dutch language teacher once told me, “We can work hard to become mediocre at what we’re bad at, or we can refine our strengths and become unstoppable.” This advice shaped my approach to writing. If poetic prose isn’t your forte, don’t force it. Instead, embrace what you’re amazing at:

• Are you a master of plot twists? Craft a narrative that keeps readers on their toes.
• Do you excel at creating relatable characters? Focus on emotional depth and connection.
• Are you passionate about exploring complex themes? Let your expertise shine in thought-provoking narratives.
• Are you ready to become the next famous author? Write that commercially successful book you know readers are gagging for.

Get Comfortable in Your Niche

Once you’ve identified your strengths and passions, think about your audience. Your stories are valuable because they reflect your true self—so who’s going to love them? Your niche is a mix of your values, experiences, and storytelling style. For me, I write emotionally intense stories with queer characters, influenced by my background in counselling and my interest in psychotherapy. That means my stories naturally resonate with LGBTQ+ readers and those interested in mental health. Finding your niche doesn’t limit you, but helps you connect with the readers who’ll love your work the most.

Write, Write, Write

Here’s the real secret to discovering your writer identity: just keep writing! Try different genres, experiment with styles, and pay attention to what excites you the most. Reflect on your work and ask:

• What themes keep reappearing?
• Which projects bring you the most joy?
• What do your characters and plots reveal about you?

I once spent 11 hours plotting a fantasy novel before realising world-building wasn’t my thing. If you’ve read my work, you’ll know my setting descriptions aren’t super detailed—it’s just not my strength! And that’s OK because there are amazing fantasy writers out there who do it brilliantly. Recognising that helped me focus on what I do love: exploring the human mind through my characters.

Over to You

By embracing who you truly are as a writer, you’ll create work that feels genuine and meaningful. The world doesn’t need another copy—it needs you and your unique voice.

So, where are you in your journey? Have you found your writer identity yet, or are you still figuring it out? Got any tips to share? Share your thoughts in the comments below.