Every season brings a shift—not just in weather, but in energy, routine, and perspective. As summer stretches into its hottest days, I’ve found myself slowing down and turning inward. This quiet, almost reluctant pause has led me to reflect on something I don’t always make time for:
Who am I right now as a writer?
Not who I was when I first started writing fanfiction in a spiral-bound notebook. Not who I’ll be when I finally finish that long-awaited draft. But who I am today—in the middle of messy drafts, evolving routines, and shifting creative goals.
And maybe you’re asking yourself the same thing.
I’m Not the Same Writer I Was a Year Ago
This season, I’ve noticed how much my writing has changed—not just in style, but in intention. I’ve become more focused on emotional arcs and less worried about perfection. I’ve stopped trying to “write like someone else” and leaned into my own voice, even when it trembles.
Where I used to chase big word counts, now I chase meaningful moments. A single line of dialogue that clicks into place. A spark of worldbuilding that feels alive. A character choice that surprises me in the best way.
What’s Shaping Me Now
Right now, my writer identity is being shaped by:
- Stillness – Embracing slower creative days and letting silence be part of the process.
- Feedback – Learning to hear critique without shrinking.
- Curiosity – Asking “What if?” more often and following the strange, sparkly paths that question opens.
- Community – Surrounding myself with other writers who get it—the highs, the doubts, the unshakable love for storytelling.
Questions I’m Asking Myself This Season
If you’re also in a reflective mood, here are a few questions I’ve been journaling through:
- What stories feel most urgent for me to tell right now?
- How has my voice changed since last season—or last year?
- What patterns keep showing up in my writing (and in my resistance)?
- What do I need more of—and less of—to write in a way that feels aligned?
A Gentle Reminder
It’s okay if your writer identity isn’t neat or clear-cut. We’re always in flux. Always becoming. And sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause and say:
This is who I am right now. And that’s enough.
Wherever you are in your journey—drafting, resting, dreaming—I hope you take a moment to reflect, honor your growth, and give yourself permission to keep evolving.
You’re not behind. You’re becoming.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 