What makes you into a writer?

What makes you into a writer? Is it publication? Is it writing income? Is it declaring you are a writer?

Does saying you are a writer make you into a writer? Well, of course, the answer is no. Not ipso facto. Thirty-five or so years ago when my wife said, “When people ask you what you do, why don’t you tell them you are a writer instead of telling them you are a teacher? You are always writing. It’s how you think of yourself instead of as a high school teacher.” But, I did not feel comfort...