This is Why Writing Isn’t About Being an Expert

What if you didn’t have to be an expert? What if, when you sat down to write, you didn’t have to have it all figured out?

“Very few writers really know what they are doing until they’ve done it.” — Anne Lammott

For some of us, this sounds like a relief. For those that like to be in control, this probably doesn’t make any sense.

Why write about things I’m not completely competent in? Why make writing a guessing game?

But if you wait until you feel qualified, you will be waiting for the rest of your life.

And in your waiting, you will witness many other writers write with passion, grit, and unshakable resolve.

And you will wonder how they’re doing it. How they're gaining an audience and how they’re selling books.

It takes a strong mindset to push through the coldest winters of your writing career. To write through the critical inner voice of your doubts and the silence of a non-existent audience.

It not only takes guts and self-awareness but also an extreme level of apprenticeship and patience.

Writing isn’t about being an expert and standing on your platform. But as you write, you can build authority.

The industry of thought leadership has muddied the waters a bit. While it has introduced more writers — which is great — it has also reintroduced the paradox of experience. You know, the “how do I become ‘x’ if I don’t have experience?” dilemma.

This has discouraged many would-be-writers from experiencing the true essence of what writing could be for them.

Writing can be and is lifelong learning. It is personal development. Writing is a record of your thoughts and curiosities.

The one who writes is the one is who is unafraid to be proven wrong.

There’s no sin in creating and not having all of the answers. Many of us create in search of who we are. Or to better understand the world.

The writer is a recorder and refiner of truth.

While writing, it might not make complete sense in the beginning. But by writing over and over again, you will have developed expertise in wielding your creative power.

Stepping out boldly into the void will attract others who want to do the same.

So while you’re writing as a non-expert, you’ll gain:

• The willingness to keep writing despite feeling unqualified.
• The bravery to keep writing despite having little to no audience.
• The discipline to keep writing despite a lack of motivation.
• The mindset to keep writing despite your current abilities and success.

All of these qualities are gold. Because they are deposited back into your equity as a writer.

And that’s better than sitting around, waiting until you feel qualified. So, please, just start.