The Fright to Write
Actually, the word ‘fright’ is a bit of an exaggeration for this title. I decided to put it there because it popped in my head, it rhymes well and I have enough ‘coconut head’ to not change it when I saw that it isn’t exactly the appropriate word for this narrative. But you’re here already, and you are welcome.
This scenario is cliché to writers and writing enthusiast like me. The reluctance to actually write something, that article, that poem, that book, even that letter and that memo. Especially if you’re not getting instant money from it. You start to think about how the words are going to form and most importantly, if your writing will be good enough. Well, that’s just you trying to evade the awkwardness of first-timeliness. That’s you frightened to fail forward.
In the attempt to evade that awkwardness, you look for every material about writing and your intended subject matter and you start to read instead of writing. Well, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, your first attempt might still suck. I believe it’s a normal life phenomenon, it is not tied to writing alone. A graphics designer’s first unaided work is probably his worst work. Same narrative goes for video-editors, public speakers, even talented actors and musicians. This just buttresses the fact that the best way to learn is ON THE JOB.
I’m actually the least person to give an advice on this, considering that I’m a new writer on the block and I’m still dishing out my own share of not-so-good writings. But the strongest point I’ve gotten from established professionals is the exact same thing NIKE (the shoe brand) preaches, JUST DO IT!!!!! Regardless of how much you think it’ll suck and probably flop, just do it. Here’s a motivation if you’ll take it; Writing they say is an extension of our thoughts, do you think highly of your thoughts? Are your thoughts quality enough to be aired to the world? Is your answer YES? Then you need to write whatever you have in mind to write. Bless the world with that thought.
I talked about failing forward, how do you fail forward after doing a first-attempted work that probably sucks? Don’t run from reviews!!! Whether you like what you’ve done or not, give a superior to vet and review. When the feedbacks come, take them in good fate and learn from them. Apply the corrections in later projects and it’ll just be a matter of projects before you start seeing the beauty you desire to see in your works.
This is not exactly my first writing, but it’s my first after a while and I intend to continue consistently until my writings become good on auto-pilot.
GRIND and SHINE guys, peace out!!!
