I hate to break it to you, but the answer is: maybe never. I think this feeling goes with the territory of being a writer. I've heard big name authors say they feel this way sometimes, so I'm guessing the feeling can resurface no matter where you are in your writing career.
The best way to feel like a writer is to write. Writers write. They don't just think about it, they don't just talk about it, they write. The more you write, the better you get. The better you get, the more confidence you build in your writing abilities.
To feel like a real writer, you need to finish more manuscripts. I know it's tempting to put aside a story when the going gets tough. New ideas seem much more tempting and interesting than the story you're working on. The sagging middles, the brick walls—all writers face these hurdles. But by trudging through the beginning, middle and end of your story, you learn and improve your craft.
Here's something to think about the next time you don't feel like a real writer: Most people don't have manuscripts stashed under the bed or stored on old flash drives or DropBox. If you have one or more completed manuscripts hiding around, then you most definitely are a real writer. Say it, believe it. Because it's true.
Happy Writing!!!
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