Leveling Up Your Craft: How to Know When You’re Growing as a Writer
Growth is one of the most rewarding parts of the writing journey, but it can also be the hardest to recognize. Unlike climbing a mountain or learning a sport, there aren’t always obvious markers to tell us how far we’ve come. Some days we feel stuck; other days we wonder if our words will ever measure up.
At Pennwriters, we believe every step forward deserves to be celebrated. And we’re here to remind you that you don’t have to travel this road alone. Here are a few ways to know if you’re leveling up, and how Pennwriters can support you along the way.
1. You Finish More Than You Start
Growth shows when you commit to carrying projects through, even when it gets messy. That short story you finally polished, or the novel draft you typed “The End” on? Those are milestones worth cheering.
Pennwriters Tip: Our Mini Conference, Main Conference, and many write-ins are great for accountability. Set a goal, share it with others, and let the community help you see it through.
2. You Revise with Purpose
Revision shifts from feeling like destruction to becoming discovery. You learn to cut, polish, and reshape until the heart of your story shines.
Pennwriters Tip: Join a critique group through your region. Honest, constructive feedback from fellow writers makes revisions not only manageable but exciting.
3. Feedback Feels Like Fuel, Not Fire
Early on, critique can sting. Growth happens when you welcome it as a tool, not a wound. You begin to see patterns, apply what works, and leave the rest.
Pennwriters Tip: Take advantage of conference pitch sessions and manuscript critiques. These are safe spaces where professionals give feedback that can accelerate your growth.
4. You Experiment and Take Risks
Trying a new point of view, stepping into a different genre, or submitting your work for the first time—these are signs you’re stretching as a writer.
Pennwriters Tip: Our workshops and online classes offer low-risk opportunities to try new techniques and explore genres with expert guidance.
5. You See Progress in the Small Things
Growth isn’t only about publishing a book. It’s in the sharper sentences, the richer dialogue, or the scene that finally clicks. Every small victory is proof you’re moving forward.
Pennwriters Tip: Celebrate wins, big or small, on our social media pages or with your area representative. You’ll be surprised how much encouragement fuels momentum.
Final Thought
Growth is a lifelong process. Even seasoned authors will tell you they’re still learning. The key is to recognize the markers along your path and celebrate them as proof that you’re moving forward.
At Pennwriters, we’re committed to walking this road together. Whether you’re finishing your first short story or polishing your fifth novel, our resources (critique groups, workshops, conferences, and community) are here to help you level up.
How have you seen your writing grow this year? Share your milestones with us because we’d love to celebrate alongside you!