The future of writing belongs to both human creativity and artificial intelligence – but where does one end and the other begin?

In an age where communication is increasingly digital and AI writing tools are becoming ubiquitous, a provocative question arises: Is everyone a writer? For centuries, writing was a craft reserved for those with a calling to tell stories, document history, or provoke change. Today, the barriers to writing are dissolving. Social media posts, emails, and texts blur the lines between professional writing and everyday communication. Yet, do these activities make everyone a writer, or does the term "writer" still imply something deeper—an inherent or unique ability to skillfully craft words and connect deeply with an audience?

Key Insights:

• Global literacy has risen from 12% to 86% in two centuries

• AI tools are revolutionizing how we approach writing

• The definition of "writer" is evolving with technology

• The debate between human and AI-assisted writing continues

Writing as a Fundamental Skill

Historically, literacy was a privilege, not a given. In 1820, only 12% of the world's population could read and write. According to UNESCO, today, that number exceeds 86%. Writing, once the domain of the elite, is now part of daily life for billions. Every tweet, email, or personal story represents a small act of authorship, leading some to argue that writing is no longer a specialized skill but a universal one.

Digital platforms have transformed how we share our thoughts with the world. From social media to blogging platforms to specialized writing tools like Kindred Tales, technology has made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to become an author of their own narrative. WordPress alone reports over 70 million new posts each month, demonstrating the massive scale of modern written expression.

The Psychology of Calling Oneself a Writer

The romanticized image of a "writer" as a novelist, poet, or journalist with published works and critical acclaim still influences how people view their own writing. Many who regularly engage in writing resist identifying as writers, held back by the fear of not meeting certain standards or the belief that they lack innate talent.

Even accomplished writers grapple with these doubts. As Maya Angelou once said: "Each time I write a book, every time I face that yellow pad, the challenge is so great. I have written eleven books, but each time I think, 'Uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody and they're going to find me out.'"

Of note, Merriam-Webster's much more simple yet generous depiction of "writer" as "one that writes" may be a preferred source of solace and confidence to the aspiring writer.

AI as a Tool for Writing Access

Enter artificial intelligence, a disruptive force that further blurs the boundaries of authorship. AI writing tools can generate, edit, and enhance text with remarkable speed and accuracy. More sophisticated platforms, like memoir-writing assistants, use conversational AI to help people overcome writer's block and capture their thoughts more naturally. For those who feel unqualified to write, these tools lower the barrier to entry, enabling self-expression without requiring mastery of grammar or style.

Modern AI Writing Capabilities:

• Grammar and style enhancement

• Content generation and ideation

• Structure and outline creation

• Translation and localization

• Voice and tone adaptation

• Collaborative writing assistance

For those intimidated by a blank page, AI can provide a starting point, suggesting outlines or even drafting entire sections. While purists may argue that this diminishes the authenticity of writing, others see it as a collaboration between human creativity and machine efficiency. As stated by E. L. Doctorow, "Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go." In this context, AI becomes a partner in discovery.

The Debate Over AI's Role in Writing

Critics of AI-driven writing tools argue that they risk diluting the essence of what it means to be a writer—that writing's value lies in its humanity, in the imperfection and vulnerability that AI cannot replicate. As stated by author Jennifer Lepp, when looking over text written with AI assistance, it "didn't feel like mine anymore. It was very uncomfortable to look back over what I wrote and not feel connected to the words or ideas."

However, advocates counter that AI democratizes writing in powerful ways. Consider a non-native English speaker who struggles with grammar, a student with dyslexia who finds written expression daunting, or someone wanting to preserve their life story but feeling overwhelmed by the process. For these individuals, AI tools are not shortcuts but enablers, providing scaffolding to build confidence and skill.

Getting Started with AI-Enhanced Writing

For those interested in exploring AI writing tools, consider these approaches:

1. Start Small

   • Begin with grammar and style checkers

   • Use AI for brainstorming and outlining

   • Experiment with different tools to find your comfort level

2. Maintain Your Voice

   • Use AI suggestions as guidance, not gospel

   • Edit and personalize AI-generated content

   • Focus on enhancing, not replacing, your natural style

3. Choose the Right Tools

   • Consider your specific writing needs

   • Look for tools that complement your workflow

   • Start with free versions to test compatibility

The Future of Writing

Recent studies suggest that by 2025, over 90% of professional writers will use some form of AI assistance in their work. As technology evolves, the question of authorship becomes increasingly complex. AI may even challenge our traditional notions of creativity itself. If someone uses AI to articulate their thoughts or stories, who is the true writer? The person who conceives the idea, or the machine that refines it?

Expanding the Definition of a Writer

So, is everyone a writer? The answer lies in how we define the term. If writing is simply the act of putting thoughts into words, then yes, everyone who texts, emails, or shares their story qualifies. But if the term "writer" implies intentionality, craft, and the authentic expression of human experience, the answer becomes more nuanced.

AI further complicates this question by empowering those who don't consider themselves writers to create coherent, impactful text. In this sense, AI doesn't just assist—it expands the definition of who can be a writer.

Looking Ahead

In the end, perhaps the question isn't whether everyone is a writer, but whether everyone has the ability to find their voice in a world increasingly shaped by words and technology. If AI can help us express ourselves more clearly and authentically—whether we're crafting a novel, sharing our life story, or simply communicating with others—perhaps it's a tool worth embracing, not just for professional writers, but for anyone with something to say.