The Struggle of an Amateur Writer

You can do the hard things

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

After writing online for almost two years, I have had a lot of reflections. I must say the life of an amateur writer is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both highs and lows. On the one hand, there is the sheer joy of expressing yourself through writing, but on the other, there is the constant fear of not being good enough.

The first obstacle you had to overcome was the fear of writing, a common experience for many new writers. It can be paralyzing, preventing one from even starting to write. The fear of not being good enough is a psychological problem, fearing not being able to convey one's thoughts and ideas in a way others will appreciate. It is not difficult to understand how discouraging it can be to pour your heart and soul into a piece of writing only to have it go unnoticed or receive negative feedback.

However, the first task for an amateur writer is to overcome these fears and persevere on the journey with confidence. One of the most effective strategies is to start writing. Even if the initial draft is not perfect, the act of writing itself can be incredibly empowering.

It's important to remember that writing is a process, and no one gets it right on the first try. Endless practice is essential to the writing process, and it's okay to make and learn from mistakes. One way to improve your confidence is to focus on writing for yourself rather than for others. Write because it brings you joy and satisfaction rather than with the expectation of gaining recognition or validation from others.

Writing is an act of self-care. It allows you to explore the innermost thoughts and emotions to better understand yourself. In doing so, you can gain clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your overall well-being. Writing can also be a form of therapy, allowing you to release emotions and process traumatic experiences.

Furthermore, writing can be a source of creative fulfilment and joy. It allows you to unleash your imagination, experiment with language, and express yourself freely without the constraints of external expectations. Writing also enables you to set your own success standards and measure your progress based on personal growth and satisfaction rather than external validation.

On the other hand, writing can also be fraught with pressure and anxiety. The need for recognition and validation can take away from the joy and fulfilment that writing can bring. It can lead to self-doubt and criticism, causing writers to second-guess their ideas and abilities. The fear of negative feedback can stifle creativity and prevent writers from taking risks and exploring new ideas.