Writer's Fallout Shelter

Don't get all caught up in the words - you could "author" a contract. That doesn't make you a "writer," necessarily.

Just write. I have a JD in Law, and could rightfully stick "Dr." in front of my name, but it would be considered pretentious and stupid (silly etiquette rule, that - but there you have it). I could stick Esq. after my name, but I've never actually practiced law and think that would look pretty stupid (how can a woman be Esq. anyway?)

I have several degrees. Screw the titles. What that makes me is "a well-educated woman."

Sounds to me like you feel you should pay your dues and earn your place among the ranks of "writers." Nothing wrong with that; you not only want to be a writer, you want the respect of your peers. Keep writing; call yourself "a writer" when YOU feel ready. Everyone else will judge for themselves regardless of whether you apply labels to yourself or not, anyway.