Writing is a vulnerable process and sharing our creations with the world can feel like handing out a piece of your soul. It took me years to even let my mother read my writing. It’s a terrifying process, but garnering feedback is the best way to grow as a writer.
5 Things I Learned as a Writer
Written by: Christine B.
January 20, 2021
The journey to becoming a great writer is hardly a straight line. There’s a lot of trial and error that goes into the writing process, along with some hard lessons. Here are just 5 of the ‘Aha!’ moments I had as a writer.
Say it with me, “I am a writer!”
On the rare occasion that I would introduce myself as a writer to new acquaintances, I always mumbled, “I’m a writer?” I could barely believe it myself. It took me years to admit that I am a writer. Period. Despite my own insecurities, nobody ever actually laughed at me or tested me to see whether or not I was any good. It doesn’t matter if you’ve published nine books or zero books. If you write, you are a writer, and that’s a mark of honor. It’s part of who you are and not something that you should be ashamed to admit.
Write what you want to read
At some point, we’ve all dreamed of getting on the New York Times Bestseller list, seeing our work make it to the big screen, or just getting published. And sometimes it may seem like jumping on the bandwagon with the latest trend will get us there. Spoiler alert, it won’t. If you’re writing a piece just to conform to a trend, you’re work is going to fall flat guaranteed. That’s because you’re not writing from your own passions. When you write about what you love, you’re going to be more creative and that will shine through you’re writing. Readers know when you care, and they know when you’re writing vampire smut to make a quick buck. Write what you love. You’ll enjoy the process more by being true to yourself.
You actually have to write
I worry that if I don’t have everything planned out then I’m not ready to actually put pen to paper. So I wait. I create 50+ Pinterest boards trying to find the inspiration I need to get started. But I never actually start. You don’t have to have all the answers when you start writing. That’s why you edit later. Things can and will change throughout the course of your writing project. Characters will suddenly change names or personalities, subplots will spring up, and the ending you thought was so great might not actually fit. And that’s okay. There’s always a rough draft before the final copy. Nobody begins with a perfect copy.
You don’t have to do it alone
Often when we imagine writers, we might imagine a highly caffeinated individual locked away in a darkened room with only a lamp and their flurried typing to keep them company. You might hear people say that writing is a lonely process. It can be, sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a writing community or even writing with a partner can make the daunting writing process so much easier. Using other people as a resource can help you to overcome writer’s block, keep you staying productive, and strengthen those areas you might struggle with.
Here are 5 benefits of writing with a partner.
Take Criticism
We pour ourselves into our writing. We dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ with deliberacy and care. Writing is a vulnerable process and sharing our creations with the world can feel like handing out a piece of your soul. It took me years to even let my mother read my writing. It’s a terrifying process, but garnering feedback is the best way to grow as a writer. The more you share your work, the more guidance you’ll receive. Some people might not like what you have written. That’s OK. If they have something constructive to say, then take it, listen to it, learn from it, and then prove them wrong.
Are you having a creativity block? Check out 5 Thoughts for Writer’s Burnout!
