Embracing the Writer’s Journey

Do you have a passion for writing?

Join me on my journey as a novice writer on this path 😊  and how I slowly overcome the challenge of being riddled with self-doubt.

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Becoming a writer doesn’t have to be complicated; it starts with putting pen to paper. However, there’s more to being a good writer than just writing. It’s a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic expression.

I’ve always desired to become a writer and publish my own book. However, I felt constrained by the lack of time and doubted my own talent. It was daunting to take that first step. Over time, my confidence waned, and I became overly critical of my writing abilities, despite receiving positive feedback during my law studies and from colleagues.

Attending a creative writing workshop was a turning point for me. It made me realize that writing talent is not something we’re born with; it’s a skill that can be developed through practice. I decided to set aside my fears and take action. I refuse to let my fears control me!

As I work towards becoming a skilled writer, I’ve come to understand the importance of taking things one step at a time and embracing the process. Blogging has become a valuable platform for improving my writing, organisation and time management skills. While my writing skill is still imperfect, I’m dedicated to improving and sharing my work with the world to inspire others to do the same.

Over the years, I’ve made countless excuses for not fully committing to my writing aspirations. Self-doubt has been a significant obstacle to starting. Now, I’ve come to accept that it’s okay not to be perfect and that periods of low mood will pass. We all experience moments of self-doubt. The key is to keep taking small steps, prioritise self-care, and trust that progress will follow.

I listened to an excellent podcast with Joanna Penn and Sarah Painter titled ‘Stop Worrying, Start Writing. How to Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt‘. I encourage you to listen to this if you’re experiencing the same thing.

I was shocked that many creative entrepreneurs, including Sarah Painter, struggled with self-doubt and anxiety. Sarah, who herself has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, emphasises the significance of maintaining a positive mental attitude.

Additionally, it can be helpful to identify the triggers that can worsen your anxiety, ensuring that you don’t exacerbate your condition further.

Remember, being compassionate towards yourself is crucial. If you cannot meet your daily goals, don’t fret. Remember that progress is an ongoing journey, and everything takes time. Stay kind to yourself and keep moving forward.

As I mentioned, maintaining a positive mindset during the creative process and setting daily goals is essential. In that regard, I want to emphasise that the book I’m about to mention is remarkable, and I highly recommend it.

Right now, I’m in the process of developing my own rituals as a writer. This includes figuring out the best time of day to write and determining how long and how often I should dedicate to my writing practice. As part of this journey, I also set specific goals to guide my progress.

Throughout my creative writing course and through insights from other writers, I’ve come across several valuable tips and recommendations. These have been instrumental in reaching important milestones in my writing journey. Allow me to share some of these insights with you:

1. Consider yourself a writer

I’ve recently embraced my identity as a writer and proudly included it in my social media bios. Even though I’m still honing my skills and developing my craft, being a writer is truly what I aspire to be.

If you have a passion for writing and dream of becoming a writer, I encourage you to start considering yourself as one. Don’t hesitate to let others know that you are a writer. Embracing and confidently owning this identity can be a powerful step towards fulfilling your writing aspirations.

2. Become a good reader

Becoming an avid reader enhances your understanding of an author’s writing style, their choice of words, and the concepts they explore.

I’ve developed some of the characters in the book I’m writing through reading. My main focus right now is simply putting words on the page, and I’ve come to embrace and accept all the imperfections in my writing process. I’m thoroughly enjoying the present moment and having a great time immersing myself in my own story.

3. Invest in yourself and your passion

I have started a free e-learning course called ‘Start Writing Fiction’ through FutureLearn which I have found super helpful as a newbie.

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4. Write about the characters in your book

Engage in a brainstorming exercise or create character sketches for the main characters in your book. Establishing a writer’s journal and habitually using it regularly is important. This journal will be valuable for jotting down ideas about your characters.

As a writer, striving for a deep understanding of a wide range of human experiences is beneficial. Some writers draw inspiration from their own personal experiences and incorporate aspects of themselves into their books. Embracing this approach can add authenticity and depth to your storytelling.

5. Overcome Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common obstacle that writers face, but it doesn’t have to hinder your progress.

Try various techniques to overcome it, like freewriting, altering your surroundings, or finding inspiration from other art forms. Be open to experimenting and finding what works best for you.

It’s important to embrace creativity’s natural ebb and flow and not let temporary setbacks discourage you. Writing is a continuous journey, and even during challenging times, perseverance is key.

When creating character sketches, delve into your character’s background, personality, role in the book, attitude, emotions, voice, and physical traits. These details will bring your characters to life on the page.

To conclude

Embarking on becoming a writer is an incredibly fulfilling pursuit that demands commitment, enthusiasm, and resilience.

Embrace the writer’s journey as an endless opportunity for personal development and expressing your unique voice. Cultivate your creativity, refine your skills, and fearlessly share your stories with others.

Remember that becoming a writer is not solely about reaching a destination but also cherishing the transformative power of the journey itself.

Therefore, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize that pen, unlock your creative potential, and embark on the beautiful adventure of becoming a writer. Let your words inspire and captivate others.

We sincerely thank you for dedicating your time to reading our blog! Your engagement means a lot to us, and we genuinely hope that the information we’ve shared has proven valuable to you.  

We eagerly invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Please feel free to comment or contact us with any questions or suggestions.  

Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining our blog community. Stay inspired, stay motivated, and continue nurturing your well-being 💛 

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