Writing Tips: How I keep going on my writing Journey.
You know, I've often been asked how I manage to keep writing, especially when so many others start with a burst of enthusiasm only to give up when the going gets tough. It's not an easy question to answer, but reflecting on my journey so far, I've realized a few things that have helped me stay on course.
Firstly, it's all about finding your why. For me, writing isn't just a hobby or a job—it's a calling, it is innate, it is within. I remember the first time I picked up a pen and poured my thoughts onto paper, feeling a sense of liberation and connection like never before, and that was when I was in JHS if my memory directs me right. That feeling, that deep-rooted passion for storytelling and self-expression, is what keeps me coming back to the page time and time again. It feels like talking with a passive human who listens but does not judge. It is also because I grew up reading a lot of children's books, I felt like one day, I would also write for people to read my great stories. Right to Senior High School when I became a library prefect, I often wondered how people wrote such great books and often, I would lock myself in the library, glancing through books, whatever genre they may be.
I grew a certain love for words, the way they can capture attention and change hearts. The kind of emotions they can trigger and the length to which they can travel. It was fascinating.
But passion alone isn't always enough. There are days when inspiration seems to elude me, when doubts creep in, whispering that maybe I'm not good enough or my words don't matter. You cannot imagine the number of days I deemed my writing not good enough or basic. During those moments, I remind myself of the power of discipline and consistency. Writing is a commitment, a daily practice that requires dedication and perseverance. You can do this by making it a ritual, such that if you go a day without it, you feel incomplete or you feel you have not finished your tasks for the day. Establishing routines and setting aside sacred writing time taught me to show up for myself and my craft, even when the muse seems to have taken a holiday.
Like recently, I have not had the energy to write and that was because of personal reasons, but I know I have to write no matter what, therefore, I do not have to find any excuse to not write. It is also dependent on what I am writing on. If it is a blog post, I can start writing until I get the inspiration, on the other hand, if It is a poem, I have to find that feeling to write lest I write something artificial and emotionless and that is not the mission of me writing my poems. I prefer my poems to carry a lot of emotions because I want the reader to feel what I feel or better, evoke similar emotions in the reader.
Of course, writing isn't always smooth sailing. There are highs and lows, moments of triumph, and moments of despair. But through it all, I've come to embrace the journey—the messy drafts, the dumping of halfway write-ups, the plot twists, the characters who refuse to cooperate. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, to hone my craft, and to deepen my understanding of storytelling.
And speaking of setbacks, self-doubt is perhaps the greatest adversary any writer faces. It's that nagging voice in the back of your mind that tells you you're not good enough, that your words will never resonate with anyone else. But I've learned to silence that voice by surrounding myself with a supportive community of fellow writers, mentors, and friends who lift me when I'm feeling down and celebrate my victories, no matter how small. It does not just die out, it will keep on visiting, but you can always shut it up when it intrudes a lot.
In the end, writing is a journey—one that is as unique and individual as the stories we tell. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and endless possibilities. And while the path may be winding and uncertain, I take comfort in knowing that as long as I stay true to myself and my passion, the words will always find their way onto the page. There is no doubt that I love writing what I like to write. It is like a conversation with my paper or my laptop and so you are an aspiring writer, take this from me, writing is a journey of self-discovery and for you to write, you have to write relentlessly as well as read.
To anyone who dreams of writing but fears they'll never make it past the first chapter, I say this: Believe in yourself. Find your why, cultivate discipline, embrace the journey, cry when you feel like things are falling apart, shut the self-doubt voice, and surround yourself with a tribe who believes in you as much as you believe in yourself.
Check out this article to find your voice as a writer:
Global Writers Project
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