Writing is a beautiful way to express yourself, yet many view it as an almost unattainable skill, a talent reserved for “writers.” But writing isn’t about aiming to be the next Shakespeare; it’s about giving shape to the thoughts and feelings that swirl inside of you. These might be negative thoughts, old frustrations, or buried sorrows that resurface when things feel tough. Writing them down offers a way to structure these emotions, to place them outside yourself on the page, freeing the mind and body from carrying the weight alone. But how to start writing?
Of course, writing doesn’t only belong to the difficult things. There’s joy, too, that’s waiting to be shared. Capturing those long-held feelings for that one special person or allowing words to describe a profound, positive memory can be equally powerful. And if words fail in the speaking, sometimes they flow better on paper, granting us the courage to share more deeply. Whether you keep it to yourself, share it on the page, or read it aloud, writing can be a bridge to connection.
How Writing Helped Me Then
Like everyone, I’ve faced times where the way forward was hidden, and every step felt heavy. Those feelings circled and deepened, feeding off each other, dragging me into a cycle of weighty thoughts and negativity. Without a way to properly address them, I felt stuck. For no particular reason, I started writing down my feelings—a first for me—and found a quiet freedom in the act of putting them into words. At the time, I didn’t know it was helping. But months later, rereading those pages, I realized I’d gained a little distance, a new perspective. So I kept writing—thoughts, frustrations, painful memories that lingered like ghosts—and I began to open up to myself.
Eventually, years later, I felt ready to share my writing with close friends, then with strangers at open mics. Sharing itself became part of the healing, and I felt recognized, understood. My pain was no longer an isolated struggle but part of a shared human experience.
How Writing Helps Me Now
Seeing the benefits of writing, I began to learn more about it, and that’s how I came across The Artist’s Way. I committed to a daily writing practice, something I hadn’t attempted before. Writing daily clears my mind and sometimes reveals pieces of myself I didn’t know existed. I’ve written enough now that I can compile and refine my work, even consider publishing it. But more on that in a later post.
5 Tips to Start Writing
As someone who has been writing for over a decade, I want to share a few insights that may help you start, especially if writing feels daunting.
1. Write Without Overthinking
Writing is about letting go of judgment, getting thoughts from your mind onto the page. It’s normal for your mind, even your body, to resist—you might feel silly, self-critical, or question why you’re doing it at all. But realize that writing, especially at the start, is solely for you. Don’t judge the words that come; just let them be. The freedom you feel will surprise you, and you’ll find that there’s beauty, even brilliance, in what flows naturally.
2. Be Consistent
A consistent practice helps quiet the critical inner voice that loves to pop up with reasons why today isn’t the day. Commit to your routine, whether that’s daily, weekly, or something in between. This conscious choice to write—even when resistance is strong—will make each session easier and help you feel proud afterward. As your habit grows, the resistance won’t feel so heavy, and writing will become a place you look forward to visiting.
3. Use Prompts
On days when words feel distant, prompts can guide you. A prompt doesn’t need to be profound—a memory, a question, or a fragment of a dream will do. Let it lead you somewhere unexpected, and remember, the point isn’t perfection. It’s to get the wheels turning, to let words spill out, connecting you to deeper layers of yourself. I go deeper into prompts here.
4. Connect With Other Writers
Writing can be a solitary act, but community can lend inspiration and support. Meeting others who share the journey—through workshops, writing groups, or even online forums—opens doors to fresh perspectives and helps you see writing as a shared craft. You’re not alone in your struggles or triumphs, and others’ words can be a gift that sparks your own.
5. Share (If and When You’re Ready)
Writing doesn’t always need an audience, but sharing when you feel ready can be transformative. Whether with a close friend or at an open mic, sharing your work invites others to connect with your words, and through them, with you. Writing that was once private can build bridges, and in those connections, we often find unexpected support and understanding.
So, start writing! Begin with a few sentences or a few pages, and let the words surprise you. Writing is a journey—one that can bring you closer to yourself and others. Start where you are, and let the words guide you forward.
