I cringe when I read some of my early writing. It feels juvenile. The ideas are intense and aimed at an emotional response. My dialogue feels fake, and I spend way too much time in monologues instead of telling a story.
But you know what? Once I’m able to get past the cringe, I realize my message is the same. The “me” who wrote stories about travel and meeting new people in college is the same one who pitches and publishes travel stories in major magazines.
The difference? I have more experience in writing and life.
The Evolution of Ideas
The transformation of my ideas over time mirrors my own personal growth. Initially, my writing was like an unplanned voyage – filled with enthusiasm but lacking direction and depth.
The ideas I had decades ago have been honed and refined by life experience. This transition did not happen overnight. It was a result of several personal and second-hand experiences. Each story, each interview, and each journey has added layers of depth and realism to my writing.
Now, when I pen something, I’m no longer just guessing if it is true to life. I’ve seen it for myself. I’ve researched, read, and experienced it. This has helped my writing to become clearer and connect with a large audience..
This clarity isn’t merely about the choice of words or the structure of sentences; it’s about how well my audience can connect to the experiences I describe. Readers find more than just a story in my writing – they find fragments of real life, notes of authenticity that speak to them on a personal level.
Early Drafts are the First Step
Initially, I viewed my early drafts as a reflection of my skill – flawed and full of mistakes. They felt like a maze of tangled thoughts, each mistake and awkward phrase a reminder of how far I had to go.
But with time, I’ve learned to have more patience with free-writes and rough drafts. They’re still imperfect and messy, but now I know that the initial draft is only the first step of the writing process. It takes editing, feedback, and rewrites to move my message from the initial lump of words to a finely tuned story at the end.
This understanding has made the writing process more enjoyable and less stressful for me. No matter how rough, each draft is a stepping stone towards clarity and coherence.
Developing Skills Through Practice and Reading
For beginners, moving from the first draft to a finished piece can seem overwhelming. In my early writing days, I, too, struggled with this. Staring at a rough draft, I often felt lost, unsure how to polish this raw piece into something readable, let alone publishable. But as I continued to write, over time, a pattern emerged. Each new draft taught me something about the structure, development, and narrative pace.
When you start practicing, what once seemed like a daunting task becomes a familiar routine. Now when I look at a first draft, I don’t see a jumble of words; I see the potential for a compelling story waiting to be shaped and refined.
Reading complements writing. Diving into various genres and styles also broadens your perspective, offering new insights and techniques. Each book or article I read enriches my understanding of writing, showing different ways to engage readers. This blend of reading and writing ensures my writing growth is continuous, well-rounded, and deeply fulfilling.
Give Feedback
In the early stages of writing, it’s common to doubt yourself when you give feedback. But even if you doubt the impact of your feedback, participate in the feedback process anyway. It is a dual-purpose process that not only assists others but also helps in refining your own writing skills.
The experience of giving feedback offers you a new set of analytical eyes. Critiquing the work of other writers shifts your perspective and allows you to view writing as a reader, not just as a writer.
This helps you notice nuances and details in writing that previously might have been overlooked. It’s a process that not only enhances your critical thinking skills but also deepens your understanding of what makes writing effective. Your women writers network is an excellent place to start practicing the art of giving and receiving valuable feedback.
Overcome the Need to Achieve Perfection in Your Writing
Perfectionism is one of the top stumbling blocks for new writers. The relentless pursuit of perfection can turn writing, which should be a creative joy, into an overwhelming burden.
The more you write, the more you realize that writing is, as Anne Lamott says, “like tucking an octopus into bed.”
The more I write, the more I learn to give myself the space to make mistakes and be imperfect. And that’s where the real growth happens—helping you appreciate the process itself, not just the polished end product. The support of your women writers network is invaluable in the process of overcoming perfectionism.
So, let go of that need for perfection. Allow writing to be what it is, and you might just find that your writing resonates more with readers because of its authenticity.
Remember the power of patience and practice as you continue to refine your writing skills. Your journey is unique, but you’re not alone. Whether you embrace your rough drafts or seek inspiration through reading, each step is a move toward improvement. If you ever feel the need for guidance or a supportive nudge, creative writing mentorship programs like the Inspired Writer Community are here for you. Here, you’ll be one of a large, vibrant community of writers, each on their path to literary excellence.
Together, let’s write, grow, and transform our literary dreams into reality.
Click here for a complete guide to building your ideal writing life.
