Reader,
One of my favourite questions to answer is “What do you do?”
For a long time, I struggled with this question. Saying “I’m a writer” always felt incomplete, like it didn’t capture the full scope of my world. And the follow-up question, “What do you write?” often left me fumbling for an answer. It was a challenge to put all of myself into a neat response.
I used to panic, wondering how I could possibly summarize everything. How could I describe all that I do without giving more weight to one part than the other? After all, I’m a writer first and foremost—right?
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats, each one adding to my evolving creative identity. No specific order or strategy—just an instinctive “yes” to what felt right at the time. From accepting a managing editor position at a magazine, to teaching university classes, to working as a literary agent, I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences in writing and publishing.
Now, when someone asks me what I do, I no longer rattle off a laundry list of titles. Yes, I’m a writing mentor, personal development coach, editor, instructor, and writer.
But what ties all these roles together? What’s the thread that runs through everything?
Over the years, in conversations with countless writers—many of whom, like me, have struggled to call themselves writers for various reasons—I’ve seen a common struggle. Sometimes it’s because their definition of a writer feels too narrow. They think, I haven’t published anything, or I haven’t made money from writing, so how could I call myself a writer? But when you understand deeply how your creativity weaves through every aspect of your life, the answer becomes clear.
When creativity is embedded in your life, and your life is intertwined with your creative work, you’ll find the words to describe it. It becomes a natural extension of who you are.
If calling yourself a writer feels difficult, it’s likely because it hasn’t yet become a prioritized part of your life.
Over time, I’ve built an ecosystem around my writing practice, always asking myself, “What branch makes sense on this tree?” Whether I’m launching a new project or refining an existing one, I’ve learned to consider how each new direction fits into the bigger picture—ensuring that every branch strengthens the whole.
When I think about saying no with love this week, it’s about rejecting the pressure to fit what I do into predefined categories.
If this resonates, I encourage you to reflect on the impact of your creative work—on your values, your beliefs, and what you hope to share with the world. Rather than focusing on a work-in-progress, try speaking to the themes and the deeper messages behind it. My writing spans poetry, fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction, but at the heart of all of it is a desire to explore care, love, and guidance.
What I love about all these different parts of myself is that each one has its own voice, its own timing. Like a chameleon, I adapt, and I find joy in that. The coach in me asks powerful questions and knows the value of silence. The mentor in me shares personal experiences, offering advice when it’s needed. The instructor in me breaks down complex ideas into something accessible and engaging. The writer in me observes the world with curiosity, documenting it in my own language. Each part of me knows when to step forward and when to step back.
When people ask me what I do, I say, “I run a creative studio where I help writers make aligned decisions about their projects and creative lives.” Whether I’m wearing my coach hat, mentoring, teaching, or guiding writers through personal challenges or goal-setting, the outcome is always the same.
Hello, my name is Chelene, and I’m a writer who helps writers make aligned decisions about their creative life—forever. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
If you’re struggling with this too, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s chat.
with love
Chelene
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