The Day I Realized I Can Write

10 Lessons About Writing (and Life) From A Person Who Used To Hate Essays

I remember publishing my first article about 40 lessons I learned on my 30th birthday. It was a surreal feeling! I got inspired. Since then, I set a goal of posting one to four articles a month, aiming to become a better writer.

Like most aspiring writers, keeping my writing goal was tough. I did a lot of experimentation. I've researched online and read books on how I can improve my skills. I faced a lot of challenges along the way. But it was fun and fulfilling! Especially when you know you are getting better. (Cheers to me, haha)

To date, I've written and published 100+ articles in my Medium account. It is not a big number like other writers but I consider this a milestone. Remember, my goal is to be better, not prolific.

I've learned a lot in a short period of time writing. And I realized it's time to share the fruits of my labor. Treat this article as a collection of myth-busting beliefs, hacks, and advice I've experienced and tried myself. (#Seeing2020)

My only hope is that you share this article if you have found them helpful and inspiring. My mission is to help aspiring writers who are facing the same challenges I had.

Having said that, let's get started!

1. Writing is not the first step

When you have nothing to write, it’s not because you’re not inspired. It’s because you don’t know what to write.

People call it writer's block. It's a myth.

Do you remember talking to a friend about a topic that you know so well? Do you run out of ideas? Do you experience the talker's block? Probably, not. Same with writing. If you know a particular topic, you have so much to write. If you don't know about a topic, it's hard to write something. To come up with ideas, your duty as a writer is to research.

The problem is not inspiration. The problem is preparation.

2. Think Of What It Is Not

Before you start writing on your article, blog or book, be clear on what it is all about.

Who are your target readers?
What topic will you write?
What problems am I trying to solve?

Answering these questions will help you in your writing process. It will give you directions.

But what if you don't know what you want?

If you have trouble finding out what you want, then decide what it is not about.

Who are NOT my target readers?
What topic I will NOT cover?
What problems I am NOT trying to solve?

Often times, getting clear first on what you do NOT want will help you gain clarity on what you want.

3. Write Like You Talk

If there is one piece of advice that helps write my first drafts is to forget about structures.

Write like you talk.

As if you are talking to someone. As if you are writing for someone. It will do the heavy lifting for you. It will be a lot easier to find your voice in writing.

You have a unique way of saying things. It's a lot easier than forcing yourself to sound like Shakespeare.

4. Lazy Way To Have Your First Draft

If you are tired of typing or handwriting your draft, why not try recording yourself? The authors are doing this. Podcasters share the transcribed version of their interviews.

You have a phone, right? Turn on the recorder. Say anything that you want. Pretend that you are doing a recording of your future podcasts. Afterward, listen to it and transcribed it when you are ready. Or hire someone to do it for you.

With a few edits and formatting, now you have a written and audio content. Talking about hitting two birds with one stone!

5. Forget About Being An Expert

I don't consider myself an expert. The truth is I am very far from being one. I am just sharing what I've learned based on my experience.

Be a trusted advisor instead.

A person who helps other people solve their problems. A person they can rely on.

Being an expert is a prestige others give to you. Being a trusted advisor is a mission you give to others.

6. Celebrate Your Small Wins

Nothing is wrong with being proud of your achievements. Not to brag about it. But to be amazed at your progress, no matter how small it was.

Celebrating your small wins is a confidence booster. You need it if you plan to stay longer in the game.

Don't wait for the finished line. You don't know when will it come. Enjoy the process. It is seconds away!

7. Choose Better

It is okay not to be the best. But you should choose to be better.

Write every day no matter how many words you can make. Whatever topic pops out your mind.

Soon enough, you will see progress.

I am no natural writer. But I am doing well compared to the millions of people who choose not to practice writing (pun intended).

8. Writing Is Not A Gift

Writing is a skill, not a gift. You gain it thru practice. Everyone can write if they choose to.

Writing becomes a gift only if you share it with someone.

Start practicing today if you haven't started. If you are already practicing, keep going. Improve. Afterward, share it with someone.

9. Don't Compare Your First Draft

Don't compare their final work to your first draft. You don't know how many revisions they have to make before you fell in love with their work.

10. Published Is Better Than Perfect

Write as many crappy articles as you can. You can always go back and edit. You can revise as much as you want. It is your own work.

If you wait for perfection to arrive, then you are waiting for nothing.

The more you write, the more you get better. Quality is achieved through quantity.

Originally posted at www.briandelacruz.net