“Anyone can say you can’t write. Don’t let them say you don’t.”

I’m not sure off the top of my head who originally said that, but I heard it from author of web comic Schlock Mercenary and Writing Excuses podcaster Howard Taylor, one of my biggest inspirations since I began high school. It’s a piece of advice I follow to the best of my ability; if you ask me what I’m working on, I could list several short stories, a novelette, a standalone novel and a tetralogy I have in the works. But this article isn’t about any of those projects, but rather the importance of writing as both an art form, and a method of communication.

In Iowa City, we take immense pride in our Writers’ Workshop. It’s a highly prestigious program where if you’re accepted, that already says a lot about your writing ability. But you don’t need these programs or any special credentials to become a writer, though it would certainly help in making you a more effective writer. There are only two things most people need in order to start writing:

1. Something to write about, and

2. The confidence that you are allowed to write.

The first part can be easy, or difficult. Some are lucky in that they have ideas come to their head without much effort, while others bang their heads on their writing desks waiting for their muse to show up. There are countless how-to books and free-writing exercises that can help with creativity, but I think a good starting place is to ask, “What do I have to say?” Maybe there’s something that riles you up whenever you see it on your Facebook feed, or you had an argument with someone who didn’t know all the facts. You don’t have to show this writing to anyone unless you want to, but knowing that you have a Dropbox full of things you’ve written is a surefire way to practice your writing, and to see how you progress as a writer.

I’ve always been an avid reader – I can’t ever remember a time when I couldn’t read. But it wasn’t until middle school where I thought to myself, “Why can’t I do what my favorite authors do?” Then I started carrying a notebook everywhere I went, writing stories during class and feeling like I had finally found my calling. Granted, I started by ripping off Harry Potter, but we all have to start somewhere. However, plenty of people didn’t start writing until college, or even later. For some reason, some people have the misconception that they can’t write. Either they don’t have the ability, or they don’t have the time – they can’t make writing into a living, either way, because writing doesn’t make any money. They have a job or a family that needs their time and attention more. What gives them the right to waste time and energy on a pipe dream that will likely go nowhere at the expense of others?

This is why I hate when people call my writing a “hobby” or a “creative outlet”. No offense to anybody willing to relegate their writing to the side, but writing is my passion. If I can’t write, that’s a fundamental part of who I am that’s wasted. Anybody who wants me to give up my writing on their say-so will end up disappointed, because I have something to say that I can’t leave unsaid. I feel like there are many others who have the same attitude towards their writing.

Today, we need writers of every streak; poets, novelists, journalists, even those eloquent Tweeters and Tumblr essay-writers. We need all kinds of people to share the truths that we don’t get from mainstream media. With practice and willingness to learn, anybody can be at least a competent writer. So if you were looking for permission to start writing, here you are. Don’t let anyone say you never tried.