Just Write

People that enjoy writing can be hard on themselves. It is likely because they cannot tell if they write well.

There is no exact science when it comes to writing. There is the whole system and structure of language, grammatical rules to follow, and people educated on how to do that well, but there is more to writing than following these rules. When we write, we need to know that what we have written has taught, entertained, and been received well.

So while we all cannot have extensive experience in writing, we all have a story to tell, and all we need to do to get that story out there is to persist.

If you want to write your story, do all you can on your own. Then, when you are ready, consult those experts that know the grammatical rules and have the experience on how to polish a story. They are the people we need to consult with to make our stories the best they can be.

Do not let other writers intimidate you. Some may have been writing longer than you, but are they better than you as a writer? Well, maybe, but maybe not. If it helps, think of yourself as a storyteller and tell your story your way. While other writers may have more experience, will everyone prefer their stories over yours? Likely not. Everyone has a unique style and a unique audience. Be true to yourself and don’t worry about what other writers are doing, do your thing and improve upon yourself.

I want you to write for 15 minutes. If you are enjoying yourself, write longer. Here is a few writing prompts to get you started.

You could write about:

- a time when you were uncomfortable

- a childhood memory (good or bad)

- a conversation you had with a stranger on a plane (real or fiction)

- your last conversation with someone you loved

- the ups and downs of the past year

Your writing does not have to be perfect. The first draft of anything never is. Your job is to get words on the page, so you have something to work with later. For now, just write.