Wanderhoney.Com

After getting back from work yesterday and relaxing on my sofa, I scrolled through Netflix to see what was new. Typically, I’d just scroll and end up not watching anything, but this time Lonely Planet caught my eye. I don’t usually go for romance films, as I tend to get bored when there’s too much dialogue. However, this one piqued my interest for a particular reason; it’s about a writer. As someone who dreams of becoming a writer myself, I was curious to see how the film portrayed the life of a writer.

Is the film worth watching? Honestly, I wouldn’t say it’s a must-see. I found myself multitasking—half-watching the film while editing my work. It didn’t manage to hold my full attention, but a few scenes highlight the challenges of being a writer and offer valuable lessons for me:

• Self-doubt, feeling lost, and facing various obstacles. It reminded me that these struggles are a natural part of the creative process and ultimately shape a writer’s journey.
• The importance of a supportive environment. It shows how crucial the right surroundings are for fostering creativity and productivity, something I’ve experienced myself.
• Finally, the film presents the idea that age is just a number, proving that love knows no boundaries and that each person we meet can teach us something valuable in life.

The film served as a gentle reminder that writing isn’t meant to be easy—it takes time. I’ve often felt discouraged, thinking I wasn’t good enough because I take longer to finish my work, but this film reinforced that writing requires patience, the right mood, and a conducive environment. Watching this movie made me realise that I’m not alone in sometimes feeling lost about my writing. It’s comforting to see that the film shows how writers can struggle with their ideas and direction. Some pieces might take years to complete, and that’s perfectly okay.

There was a quote in the movie that I can relate to completely:

“And that’s the thing about writing. It lets you hold on to something you lost. So I did that. Then I wrote a book”

This resonated with me because it reflects the core motivation behind my writing. Writing allows me to revisit moments, feelings, and experiences that may have slipped away, helping me process them and find closure. It also keeps all my memories in one place, and I can always go back to reread them and see how far I have come.

This also makes me question myself:

“Why haven’t I written my own book?”

“Why do I procrastinate on the poetry I once felt so passionate about?”

X, Hani.