Becoming A Writer: Challenges Every Writer Faces

Writing can be a daunting task. For some, the idea of writing may seem long and treacherous while others simply see no point in it. But in actuality, writing is an art, a way for people to express their thoughts and emotions through words and phrases. One of the unique things about writing is the immense variety you will find. Each and every person you meet will have a different style, preference, and ideology of writing, and it's up to you to find what makes your writing special.

There are certain steps every writer should take to determine their strengths. We will tackle this in sections:

What is your style?

Every writer has a unique style. Factors such as inspiration, format, and purpose influence every aspect of your style.

What type of writing do you prefer?

It could be prose; like telling a fairy tale inspired by your wildest dreams, or a scathing editorial depicting events that you find impactful. It could be poetry; free-flowing and serene depicting a peaceful environment, or rigidly rhythmic following an iambic pentameter. Then within those categories, there are sub-styles that can be explored to find what fits you. Is it a sonnet or a haiku? A short story or a novel? The point is, finding what type of writing suits you is crucial.

Why do you write?

Finding inspiration in writing can be tough at times, but every successful writer writes with a purpose. The purpose can change from time to time, increase or decrease in importance, but nonetheless will always be present. One person may tell you he writes to share his traumatic memories, to expose others to his suffering so that they won’t go through the same process. Another person may tell you she writes to inform others on the ever-evolving environment of politics plaguing the country, shining light in a novel perspective. Take the time to think about what drives you to write what you do.

Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is something that everyone experiences at some point. You try to write, but you simply can’t find the inspiration to! In this situation, the best solution would be to take a moment and step back. Clearing your mind can be a very efficient way to prevent writer’s block. Other times, it might just be that you should come back to your work later. Don’t stress, it will pass!

Opportunities

As a writer, it is important to find guidelines to follow. Thus, reading and commenting on the work of peers can be a helpful resource to both you and the writer. Additionally, participating in internships or becoming involved in local clubs or newspapers are amazing ways to gain experience and insight on your work. Lastly, finding publications and competitions can set your name out in the world of literature for others to discover. Wonderful opportunities could come up if the right person finds your work.

With all of this in mind, it is crucial to remember that at the source of writing is yourself. Write for what you believe in, not for college or other’s approval. Writing should bring joy and relief, not stress. Groups such as The Incandescent are great ways to find people with similar interests as yours that are willing to help you grow and develop your skills.

So, what will you decide to write next?

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