My Love/Hate Relationship with Writing

Writing, I love you but also despise you.

Image by Kevar Whilby

I’ve always had quite a fondness for writing. Writing should always come naturally to me with a creative outlet to express how I feel and to feel free to play with words as I please. Until it doesn’t. I have a bit of a complex relationship with writing, and I’ll tell you why.

There are days where I don't particularly appreciate the writing process. I should expect that first drafts are crappy, but when I’m at a loss with what words to use and how it sounds, I can get quite frustrated. As a content writer who’s been writing professionally for a year and six months, it feels like I should be a pro at this. But I should be a bit kinder to myself and my writings. Yeah, I know there’s always room for revision and that I could make my articles better, but sometimes that could be tough. On the other hand, I like to spruce up my pieces more to make them the best.

The days that I do love writing are when I’m not automatically forced to sit and write about topics I’m not interested in, when I’m free to create when and whenever I please when I don’t have deadlines to reach, and where I have complete creative expressions. I also value when I can get constructive feedback to apply and get my creative juices flowing. I love writing, and I love days where I could also take a few days off from writing.

When I get well-known writer’s block, I also listen to what my body is telling me and attend to that need, whether it’s hunger, boredom, or need a nap. What makes me fall back in love with writing is gaining some inspiration by reading a book, doing arts and crafts with my kids, watching some heartfelt entertainment, listening to music, listening to a podcast, playing word games, and taking a much-needed break after writing a week straight.

Whatever helps you fall back in love with writing, I suggest that you do it. Writing is a skill that’s hard to master, but writing can be enjoyable once you get in the swing of it. Also, if you’re writing rut and overwriting the same topics, you can explore different niches. I’m currently taking classes in copywriting and want to study technical writing as well. Maybe even step a foot into graphic design.

Learn to fall in love with writing again and don’t give up on the beauty of writing in a way that only you can express.

My Love/Hate Relationship with Writing was originally published in CRY Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.