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Views Last 30 days : 4179I’ve always had an interest in writing. Before I created my first blog in 2013 and became more serious about it in 2016, I used to pour my thoughts, feelings, dreams, and daily experiences into my journal. There’s something incredibly comforting about putting things into words. As I grew older, my interest in writing deepened, and I became more intentional about improving my skills.
So, is writing hard? My answer is, “It depends.” It varies for every person and every type of writing. Writing is a craft that demands effort and dedication. While some people may have a natural inclination for it, most have to refine their skills through practice.
For me, I’m not sure if I was naturally gifted, but I do know that my improvement came from years of practice. I mean, have you ever looked back at your old work and cringed? Well, I have. When I reread my early blog posts, I find myself thinking,
“What was I even trying to say?” or “Why did I write like that?”
But despite the embarrassment, it’s rewarding to see how much my writing has evolved.
If you’ve ever considered starting a blog or simply want to improve your writing, I have some insights to share—things I wish I had known when I was starting out. I don’t consider myself a great writer (though I’m trying—hope dies last!), but I do believe in continuous learning and growth.
Writing In General Is Hard
One of the biggest challenges of writing is that it requires complete focus—no distractions, no interruptions. If you can’t focus, it’s best to step away and return when you’re in the right headspace. Writing is also time-consuming; it demands patience to draft, edit, and revise until your work takes shape.
Discipline plays a crucial role. A good writer observes the world, pays attention to human interactions, and turns those observations into meaningful words. If you let laziness creep in, your writing will suffer.
Writing is also deeply tied to mood. Words flow differently depending on how we feel, and sometimes the right words just won’t come. It’s frustrating, like trying to solve a mathematical equation without knowing the formula. And let’s not forget the countless times we consult dictionaries or thesaurus, modifying words and re-reading paragraphs over and over.
Creating anything takes courage and optimism. So, it’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t get discouraged if you find the process to be challenging because everyone who writes can have a hard time from time to time. The important thing is to show up, sit down, and try. Just know that you don’t have to reach any milestones to become a writer. As soon as you start writing, you are one.
Writing Takes Courage
Being a writer means taking risks. It means exposing your thoughts and emotions and making yourself vulnerable. When you write about personal experiences, you open a window for others to see into your world. That can be terrifying.
When I first started blogging, I kept it a secret. It took years before I was comfortable sharing my posts on social media. I worried about being judged—especially by people I knew.
“What if someone I admire stops talking to me after reading my blog? What if they think I’m too much?”
I fear that I will be judged on my intelligence because of the technical aspects of my writing, such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc., but regardless of the reaction, I’m always glad I did.
I eventually stopped caring.
In many ways, writing is about becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. Writing is an extension of who I am—my thoughts, experiences, and emotions are all woven into words. Even though I still feel nervous sharing my work, I remind myself why I write: to be heard, to connect, and to express myself. I have no desire for or expectation of becoming well-known or remembered
Finding Your Writing Style
Everyone has their own way of writing. My style is straightforward, reflective, and engaging, with a conversational tone and vivid storytelling. I like to write as if I’m talking to a friend because I believe writing should be accessible to everyone, especially non-native English speakers. After all, we don’t use formal language in daily conversations—so why force it in writing?
My favourite topics to write about are travel experiences and self-help because they flow naturally. Other subjects take more time, even with research. At the end of the day, writing comes from within. That’s why I always choose topics I’m passionate about.
Practice, practice, and practice.
Like any other skill, regular practice is the only way you can ever improve as a writer. Experiment with different styles, explore various topics, and challenge yourself. Even on days when you don’t feel like writing, take 30 minutes to jot down whatever comes to mind. You can always refine it later.
Think of it like sports or music—if you don’t practice, you become rusty. Writing is the same. If you stop for too long, getting back into it feels like starting from scratch.
Writing Can Be Exhausting
Writing is mentally draining because it relies entirely on your brain. You’re creating something out of nothing, weaving words that weren’t there before. Sometimes, articulating emotions or complex ideas feels impossible. And when you give your all to a piece, it can leave you feeling drained.
But that’s okay. Take breaks when needed. Writing should be a passion, not a burden.
Don’t Rush the Process
I’ve been guilty of rushing my writing due to deadlines, only to realize later that my work was full of errors. That taught me a valuable lesson: good writing takes time.
For example, I started drafting this post three days ago, intending to publish it yesterday. But after long work hours, exhaustion, and a lack of focus, I had to put it on hold. I chose to wait rather than force it, and I’m glad I did. Writing isn’t about speed; it’s about quality.
Perfection is Overrated
Don’t be too hard on yourself. The goal is to be a better writer, not a perfect one. If your words evoke emotions in others, they’ve served their purpose—grammar and structure aside.
I tend to obsess over word choice, re-reading and editing multiple times before hitting publish. While I don’t aim for perfection, I do want my writing to be engaging. But at some point, you must let go and trust that your message will come across.
Observe and Take Notes
You have little control over when you write. Words and ideas can pop into your head at random moments. You might forget about it later if you don’t write it down. So, if inspiration strikes, be prepared to pull out your phone and start to type into a notepad, anytime and anywhere.
Writers see the world differently. A single moment, word, or interaction can spark an entire piece. That’s one of the best things about writing—you never know what might inspire your next story.
X, Hani. ♥
