Embrace the Journey: My Evolution as a Writer Over the Years
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The Writing Journey Begins
As I sat on my balcony this evening, I found myself pondering what to write. With a rare thirty minutes free of distractions, I felt the pull to create something new. That familiar, tingling sensation in my hands hinted that inspiration was brewing, suggesting that I might be on the verge of crafting my best piece yet.
However, as I began to write, that initial excitement began to wane, and I knew it was time to set my thoughts to paper. It reminded me of when I was just ten years old, excitedly picking up a pencil. I would take a long sheet of plain white paper and start writing, often combining my fascination with dinosaurs and the then-current craze for Pokémon.
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Ah, those were indeed simpler times.
My early stories typically began with a few lines at the top of the page, followed by illustrations that brought those words to life. I still keep those tales tucked away in a folder somewhere at home. Occasionally, I revisit them for inspiration, but I also reflect on how much I’ve progressed since then.
While I may not be a literary giant like J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin, I aspire to make a significant mark in the Fantasy genre someday. I once read that consistent daily writing is the key to success, and that’s precisely what I committed to from the age of ten onwards.
A Shift in Perspective
A year or two into my writing journey, my outlook on storytelling underwent a transformation. What had once been a simple hobby evolved into a genuine passion. I was thrilled to see my drawings and words meld together, breathing life into my narratives.
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After numerous changes to my ideas, I transitioned to writing in a notebook. It was there that I finally completed a story. Although it wasn’t lengthy or particularly remarkable, the act of finishing it filled me with an immense sense of achievement.
Though I didn’t pursue a sequel, I now had two years’ worth of writing to reflect upon. Comparing my initial efforts to my notebook entries showcased a notable evolution in my word choices and sentence structures.
The Digital Shift
Years later, I embraced Microsoft Word for my writing, transitioning from floppy disks to USB drives as technology progressed. My skills continued to develop, and my plots grew more intricate. By the time I reached tenth grade, I had refined an idea that remains central to a short story I am currently working on.
This idea has undergone various transformations, maturing into something more sophisticated over the years. In high school, I completed a story that spanned over 200 pages, with a well-structured plot and multiple character perspectives.
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As I neared completion, I felt a pressing urge to finish, convinced that I would soon submit it to an editor (how naïve I was). Unfortunately, that plan unraveled as I struggled to maintain a coherent format for my lengthy manuscript.
The disappointment was hard to bear, and it led me to a temporary halt in my writing journey. While it may not have been a masterpiece, it represented my best work up to that point.
Finding Time Amidst Life's Changes
Upon turning twenty and entering university, I found that time to write became increasingly scarce. I mainly wrote during breaks and summers, and even then, it was a challenge. For several years, I struggled to find time to write, even during my three years teaching abroad, as I was too busy enjoying new experiences.
After returning to the U.S., I stumbled upon a collection of stories I had written in elementary school, junior high, and high school, filled with outlines, character sketches, and unfinished narratives.
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Lying on my bed, I spent days flipping through those pages, noting the progress in my writing over the years. To my surprise, it wasn't half bad. I turned to my laptop and dug through my USB drive, uncovering even more stories—a treasure trove of past work.
Lessons Learned
What I took away from this journey is that if you want to create something worthwhile, dedication and effort are essential. Focus on long-term growth rather than immediate results. Cultivate your craft, understand what resonates with you, read whenever possible, and write even on days when inspiration eludes you. Every word and every sentence counts, and when you revisit your work, you’ll surely recognize how far you’ve come.
In this video titled "Just Keep Writing! Keep writing that story that only you can tell!" the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in writing and encourages viewers to continue their unique stories.
The second video, "Keep Writing (Original Song)," is a musical reminder to maintain your writing journey, celebrating the creative process.