Summary

A writer shares their journey of abandoning the pursuit of perfection and the positive outcomes that followed.

Abstract

The author of the article describes a transformative month during which they grappled with writer's block and the pressures of meeting high expectations. After struggling with the demands of ghostwriting and the competitive nature of the writing industry, they decided to let go of the idea of being a "good" writer. This shift in perspective led to a more liberating approach to writing, focusing on self-expression and authenticity rather than perfection. The writer experienced a significant increase in subscribers and received heartfelt feedback, reinforcing the value of their work beyond traditional metrics of success.

Opinions

The author believes that the pursuit of perfection in writing can be creatively stifling and lead to burnout.
They suggest that the societal emphasis on being a "good" writer can create unrealistic expectations and impostor syndrome.
The writer emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and the acceptance of imperfection in the creative process.
They argue that writing for oneself, rather than solely for an audience, can lead to more meaningful and resonant work.
The author values genuine reader connections and personal growth over fame and financial success in writing.
They encourage other writers to embrace a similar mindset and focus on the intrinsic rewards of writing.

I Stopped Trying to Be a Good Writer.

Here’s what happened

It’s been a weird month. It’s been a bizarre year altogether.

But let me tell you one thing: nothing compares to my recent revelation.

As the month dawned upon me, the deadlines were fast approaching, and a growing pile of queries created a sense of detachment from my writing. The place that once felt like a haven of serenity now mirrored a scene from a dystopian realm. I fought relentlessly with the infamous writer’s block and encountered far too many days when I felt less than inspired. However, when contractual obligations bind you to the dotted lines, there are no other options but to deliver work that is nothing short of outstanding.

Many aspire to become “good” writers — it is often perceived as a prestigious career filled with fame and good money.

As headlines flash across your screen, tempting you to “Discover the secrets to making a gazillion from writing online,” it becomes hard to resist the allure of idealization.

With the deceptive titles come the torturous impostor syndrome.

Drowning in content and tedious mimicry, repetitive advice about how to earn the badge that screams ⭐️‘I’m worth reading’⭐️, it’s easy to get lost amongst the cluster of wordsmiths.

Breaking Free from the Chains of Expectations

We belong to a world that often emphasizes perfection; the pursuit of being a “good” writer can feel like a relentless journey. “But what if I just stepped back and challenged what it means to be a good writer?” — I asked myself one dreary afternoon.

Submitting my most recent ghostwriting project and swiftly wiping the sweat from my forehead, I prepared for the next step. With no tasks remaining, I embraced a sweet moment of apathy, ready to walk down the path of imperfection.

As a writer who tries to craft flawless tales for others, I reached a point of utmost exhaustion. After relying on famous writing tools to help me create best-selling novels I could never claim as my own, I found myself grappling with the challenges of self-expression.

My recent venture into joining a larger writers’ organization revealed the extent to which everyone is striving for perfection —and the devastating effects of such relentless drive on the mind of a creative person.

F*ck it — the moment of liberation

Every writer should embrace a moment like this. Letting go of perfection, unleashing from chains of expectations. By all means, shoot for the stars, but when faced with the dreaded block, give yourself a break.

It’s been almost twelve weeks since I immersed myself in this new avenue of writing. In the past twelve weeks, I’ve seen immense joy, pain and heartache being described by fellow artists.

From what I can tell, most of them rely on one revenue of income; the stakes are high.

Me, on the other hand, I’m just dipping my toes in.

Yet, I am used to delivering projects that are met with great anticipation.

Giving the reader exactly what they are looking for is at the heart of every story.

What is the point in writing if my tale doesn’t resonate or bring a fruitful outcome to my cherished subscriber?

Well, guess what — sometimes, oftentimes, no one will read your writing. But that doesn’t mean you’re not a “good” writer or that your stories are “not worth reading”.

Not every piece you write will be met with appreciation, so what? It just means that sometimes, the only person you need to write for is yourself.

I have to confess that for the fourth day in a row, I am struggling to find words to fill my sentences. The dreaded block is visiting again. So I think I am going to leave it there. But before I do that, I want to give you a final word of encouragement.

Last month, I stopped trying to be a “good” writer. The results? I joined three new platforms and gained over four thousand subscribers. As my full-time projects drained all my energy, I struggled to deliver to my readers what they wanted.

Instead, just to help the spirit tick over, I shared mostly self-reflective pieces.

Money and fame aside, a comment I received earlier put everything into great perspective for me.

“This story describes exactly what I’m going through now, after having a similar life…you couldn’t have articulated what it feels like any better! This is one of the most eloquently written stories I’ve ever read & makes me feel less alone in this soul crushing time. Thanks so much & please keep up the masterful work you’re doing!”

So maybe the secret to becoming a truly great writer is not always about crafting compelling headlines and formatting a perfect story. Sometimes, maybe embracing what is and ceasing to force things is enough to define one as a “good” writer.

Thank you for reading.

❤️

Deni

Do share your thoughts if you made it this far. How are you getting on in your writing journey?

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