Five Valuable Lessons I Learned From Being A Writer

When my journey of writing began nine years ago, I never considered where I would be in ten years, though I never questioned that I would still be writing. I had a very different picture of what writing was than I have now. I thought I just had to put some words on a page and sign a deal with a publisher to become rich and famous! It was only after I started that I realised just what kind of a mess I had gotten myself into.

Don’t get me wrong — I have always and will always love writing. But I had a lot to learn before I was any good at it or really truly knew what it meant to be a writer.

And learn I did! Every time I open my laptop and start to type, I learn a little more about myself and my writing than I did before. Now, I would like to let you in on some of the insights I have learned over the years.

So here they are! The five most valuable lessons I learned from being a writer.

1. Write for you.

Why do you write? Is it for so-and-so who says that you’re a good writer and should give it a go? It is for your avid fans who got a taste of your story and want more? Is it for your friends? Your beta readers? If you answered yes to any of those, then you need to check your priorities.

Don’t get me wrong; writing with the reader in mind is a good thing. But if the sole purpose of your writing is for someone else, how can it be personally fulfilling? And how will you be able to motivate yourself to want to continue that writing? After all, if your heart isn’t in it, your readers will know it.

Write for you.

 

2. Write every day, but make sure to set aside time for life. 

When I leapt into writing, it was a novelty (no pun intended). I wrote every day for as long as I could and, truth be told, that hasn’t changed much. Once I started writing, it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I still get that I can only remember a handful of days in the past six years where I didn’t write/edit at least a sentence in my then work in progress. I still get that same childish exhilaration every time I open up my laptop to write.

I am a firm believer in writing every day. I may, however, take that too far and forget to set aside time to do other things, like spend time with my family.  This is something I’m still learning, to be honest.

Not is taking a break good for family life, but it also helps to rest your mind from writing for a while (despite my inner resistance of this truth).  Just as long as you remember to pick up the pen once again.

3. Writer’s block has a quick and easy fix.

I will say this outright: I do not believe that writer’s block exists.

Yes, there are times when you get stuck and don’t know where to go next. There are times when your brain tells you it is time for a break the moment you open up your page to start writing. There are times when the internet is calling your name. But you cannot let any of these things stop you. You see, the fix is very simple.

Mind over matter. You have to keep writing.

I know. People say that all the time. But it’s true. Personally, I don’t get writers block. I get a bout of laziness that hits me when I reach a stumbling block. The only way past that block is to push through it. Excuses don’t help. Just write.

4. Find your writing environment.

Is it a certain genre of music? Peace and quiet? A cup of tea and a blanket? A typewriter and some coffee? Whatever way you write best, do it. Make yourself comfortable, turn off your wifi, and write. Writing comfortably is the best way to get your creative juices flowing.

The ideal writing environment for me is epic instrumental or deeply emotional soundtrack, a cup of tea, a box of mint chocolates, and my laptop.

I also like to write at my own pace, but I know others who prefer to do word wars and set goals to reach. Whatever way you write is the right way for you.

5. Don’t let yourself be discouraged. 

The mind of a writer is a marvellous creature from a whole other dimension, and as self-destructive as they come. For the first while I was happy with my writing, but then these ideas started coming to me, filling my head with destructive thoughts about my writing. I would never be good enough. Why should I even bother writing such rubbish?

Not only is your mind there to tell you all of these helpful things, outside influences can be there to discourage you as well. A couple of years back, I attended a summer camp and some of the girls asked me what I did for fun. I said I was a writer. They glanced at one another, sharing a knowing look, and then one of them snorted. “Everyone thinks they’re a writer nowadays,” she said, and they walked away.

I stood there for a moment, angry and humiliated. Amid it all, I felt this odd peace. Because I knew that they were wrong. I was a writer. And I would accomplish my goals. What they said didn’t matter.

The moral of the story is that most of the time, people won’t believe in you. The goal is to believe in yourself so that nothing can shake you.

 

So there you have it!

What has your writing experience taught you? Let me know in the comments!