The Muse Letter

The Muse Letter

How To Write Your Essay Collection in 6 Months?

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Sophia Hembeck
Jul 30, 2025
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SATC, 1998-2004

If there’s one question that I get asked in every single one of my essay writing classes – and I’ve taught nine so far – it is this one:

When can I call myself a writer?

It usually comes up around mid-point, after we’ve been through the basics—the theory of structure, style, and voice of an essay—and the official writing phase has begun. Something happens, a need emerges, a need that has been there for a long time but now when the first steps are made it is finally and uncontrollably coming to the surface, you start to think: Wow. I am doing it. I am writing now. But am I allowed to claim that title yet?

It’s a strange question because it’s not really about the word “writer.” If we’re being brutally honest, what you’re asking is: Do I matter yet? Am I real yet? Am I allowed to take a seat in the realm of other writers? Will they think I’m an amateur? Is it too late? Is this seat already taken?

Because “writer” is a door. But you’re too scared to open it. What if it’s l…

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