Today we’re going to talk about the signs you’re a writer, and as always, I have a story to illustrate, and it clearly shows how my writer’s brain truly works.
Yesterday, I walked into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Simple enough, right? Except somewhere between filling the kettle and waiting for the water to boil, I realized I was hungry. So I started making an English muffin. While the muffin was toasting, I decided to sweep the floor. While I was sweeping, I started singing Radio GaGa by Queen. From there it was a very short trip to wondering why I didn’t have more Queen songs on my Spotify.
By the time everything was finished, I had managed to make tea, toast an English muffin, clean the kitchen, enjoy a mini concert, and completely forget what my original plan had been. If that sounds strangely familiar, congratulations.
You might secretly be a writer.
Writers don’t just tell stories. We experience the world through a constant stream of ideas, observations, “what if” questions, and unexpected detours. Our brains are like internet browsers with forty-seven tabs open, and somehow every single one seems important.
Here are ten signs you’re a writer gifted with a writer’s brain, whether you have admitted it yet or not.
1. One Simple Task Becomes Five
You walk into a room to accomplish one thing.
Twenty minutes later, you have:
- made tea
- started breakfast
- reorganized a shelf
- remembered a character’s backstory
- wondered if squirrels have family reunions
Mission accomplished? Not exactly, but you’ve garnered more material for your next story!
2. You Eavesdrop Professionally
You’re not being nosy. You’re collecting dialogue. That couple arguing over cereal? Future novel. The teenager explaining why he was “technically” on time? Excellent dialogue. The little kid asking if ducks have birthdays? Pure gold. Everything is research.
Everything is research. In fact, Writer’s Digest recommends treating everyday experiences as material, which means our shameless people-watching may actually be professional development.
3. Every Stranger Has a Backstory
The cashier isn’t just a cashier. Maybe she’s secretly saving money to travel the world. Maybe she paints landscapes. Maybe she’s an undercover spy.
You don’t know. But your writer’s brain is determined to find out anyway. And the thing is that person probably has a very nice, perfectly acceptable backstory. That backstory is nowhere as entertaining as whatever you’ve come up with in your mind.
4. You Talk to Fictional Characters
Sometimes out loud. Sometimes in your head. Sometimes while driving. Sometimes while folding laundry. People think you’re talking to yourself. You’re actually negotiating with a stubborn protagonist who refuses to cooperate. And you know that your fictional characters talk back. I’ve caught myself having full on, out loud conversations with my characters. Okay sure, I’m the only one who can hear their responses, but that’s okay!
5. You Rewrite Movies in Your Head
“That ending could have been better.”
“She should’ve picked the other guy.”
“I would’ve handled that plot twist differently.”
Congratulations.
You’ve accidentally become the unpaid script consultant for Hollywood.
Fun fact, and I’ve mentioned it before. This was how I seriously got my start writing. It was through fan fiction. I was watching Roswell and getting completely annoyed with how they were destroying such a wonderful show and such amazing characters. I told myself I could do better. I could, you can read some of my stories here.
6. You Collect Notebooks Like They’re Treasure
You absolutely need another notebook. Never mind the seven blank ones already sitting on your bookshelf. This one has prettier paper. It’s 
different. You’ll definitely use it. Eventually.
Okay chances are you’re never going to use the notebooks but you have to have them. It’s a moral imperative that you buy them. I for one will never judge you because it’s a one of the sure signs you’re a writer.
7. You Can’t Turn Off Story Mode
You visit a new town. Most people notice restaurants. You notice the old church, the abandoned building, the mysterious alley, and immediately decide a fantasy portal probably exists nearby. Every location is a potential setting.
Today, I was in a restaurant that was situated on lake Winnipesaukee. It was a perfectly nice restaurant. The food was delightful, the company was great, the view was amazing. What was I focused on? It was the man, walking through the restaurant. Wearing a life jacket. Yes ladies and gentlemen, he was wearing a life jacket. I have no idea why, but I sure came up with quite a few in my head. Yes, getting lost in your own head is another one of the signs that you’re a writer.
8. You Describe Things in Weirdly Specific Detail
Normal person:
“The sunset was pretty.”
Writer:
“The sky looked like someone had spilled watercolor paint across the horizon, leaving streaks of lavender, peach, and gold behind.”
Sometimes you can’t help yourself. Nor should you. You have been gifted with a wonderful writer’s brain. Use it to brighten your life!
9. Your Brain Has Forty-Seven Tabs Open
You’re making dinner, listening to music and thinking about Chapter 12. Then you remember you need milk. And if you’re me, you’re also
wondering if J.T. would actually say that line. No, he absolutely would not. It was clearly and Eric line. Planning your next blog post, and trying not to burn dinner. And you’re doing this all at once. That is another one of the sure signs you’re a writer. Well to be fair you could also be a teacher but instead of thinking about dialogue, you’re focused on grading, but that’s a blog post for another day.
All at once.
Creative brains are rarely tidy, and the writing process is often equally messy. Jane Friedman’s site offers a reassuring reminder that creativity is naturally uneven and imperfect.
10. You Keep Writing Even When You Should Be Doing Something Else
Maybe you’re reading this while avoiding laundry, or maybe you’re supposed to be answering emails. Perhaps you’re procrastinating another writing project by reading about writing. Ironically, I may have written this blog post while another project patiently waited its turn.
It’s okay, writers understand.
So…Are You Secretly a Writer?
If you recognized yourself in more than a few of these signs you’re a writer, welcome to the club. Writing isn’t just something we do. It’s the way we see the world. We notice details other people miss. We invent stories for strangers. We collect conversations, wonder about possibilities, and occasionally forget why we walked into the kitchen in the first place.
It’s wonderfully chaotic. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
☕ A Note from Tracie
I still don’t remember exactly how making tea turned into breakfast, music, sweeping the kitchen, and a completely different train of thought, but I know I’m not the only writer whose brain works that way.
If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through three unrelated tasks while mentally plotting your next novel, welcome.
You’re among friends.
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