Writer's Fallout Shelter

I'm not so dogmatic (or disciplined) that I would ever say "you have to write daily to call yourself a writer." You're absolutely right, Alice - in large part, it is a matter of committment. This is the difference between a "writer" and a "disciplined writer."

I also don't think you have to be published or paid for your writing to call yourself a writer. I do think you have to write regularly, care about developing your skills with your chosen language, and feel that "writer" is an integral part of your identity. One of your roles in life, as opposed to something you do now and then. But it's a personal choice as to when you begin to call yourself a writer - if you ever choose to do so. If you feel you need to "pay your dues" to join the club, then you do whatever it is you need to do to feel like a full-fledged writer. Whatever it takes to let you hold your head high in a roomful of others you consider to be writers, and say "I'm one of you!" If they laugh you out of the room, then you may have spoken too soon. Some published writers are just snobbish, but most will welcome you with open arms - they remember what it was like, starting out.

I don't agree with those who seem to think it's enough to simply want to be a writer and adopt the label because it's how you see yourself, whether you actually write or not.