Journaling my way to becoming a writer
So, I've always wanted to be a writer, but let's be real, starting is tough man. I read somewhere that my first writings might suck, and honestly, I'm okay with that. But I just don't know what to write or where to begin.
One day, I saw a post suggesting that I should make writing a habit to start enjoying it. But dude, I have zero experience. Every time I try to write, my mind goes blank, and then, like a typical desi techie, it starts finding faults in everything I think of.
Then I thought, "Why not try journaling?" It sounds chill, like something I can do without overloading my brain. But here's my question: will this actually help me improve my writing skills? Like, can I go from journaling to writing short stories or even novels one day?
After sharing my thoughts online, the responses were super helpful and kind. It made me realize that humanity has its good side too. So yeah, I'm going to give journaling a shot and see where it takes me. Maybe one day, I'll be writing those novels I dream about. Cheers!
I have been trying to have a writing career for 6 years now. I can tell you if you don't intrinsically enjoy the very act of getting better - whether it is using a specific word, setting a specific context, or framing your story in a specific way - you are not going to have fun. If it's not fun/satisfying, it's not worth it.
I have tried my hands at fiction. I think everyone's process is different. I feel like, as a first step, I'm learning to tell good non-fictional stories.
Well, you are writing YOUR story when you journal. Treat every entry in the journal as a storytelling exercise. A good story is compelling, provoking, and personal. It should stir profound thoughts, or emotions, or feelings in the reader.
Everyone can use chatgpt or take 3 paragraphs to make a point. The real question is: can you make the same point in a sentence? Can you craft a compelling narrative? Can you make your words read like a poetry? Can you keep the reader at the edge of their guessing game?
If this is too overwhelming to execute, it's probably worth giving up. If it's very exciting to achieve, welcome to the world of words, friend!
Hope it gives you a rough sense of the territory I'm exploring myself!