Rediscovering My Voice: A Journey to Becoming a Good Writer
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Chapter 1: The Silent Struggle
Throughout my life, writing has always been a part of me. Yet, over time, I lost my way. My voice faded, and the words that once flowed effortlessly onto the page ceased to exist. This silence was a byproduct of my illness, leaving me in a state of mute reflection, while the vibrant stories in my mind remained solely my own. The once-inviting blank pages of my diaries now gathered dust in the corners of my bookshelves.
Recently, I received a compliment that took me by surprise. A dear person in my life, known for their honesty, told me that I am a talented writer. Until that moment, I merely regarded myself as someone who writes; the label of "good writer" had never graced my self-perception. Writing had always served as a means for me to process my thoughts and ground myself in reality. The idea of using it to connect with others felt foreign.
After my lengthy hiatus from writing, I braced myself for criticism, expecting to hear that I was inexperienced and needed more growth. I anticipated lukewarm responses, not an enthusiastic endorsement.
Her feedback was both shocking and uplifting. Given her status as a professional writer for major corporations and high-profile advertising campaigns, her acknowledgment of my talent seemed almost absurd. How could she, a seasoned expert, deem me—a relatively unknown with no formal training—a "good writer"?
Yet, here I am, engaging in what comes as easily to me as breathing: putting pen to pristine paper. My collection of notebooks must number in the hundreds, along with countless loose sheets, spiral-bound pads, and an assortment of writing instruments. I possess around 300 pens, 200 oil paint markers, and several hundred colored markers. It’s safe to say my fingers were meant to wield writing tools.
I penned my first tales in elementary school, affectionately referred to as "grade school" by my family. I find that term charming, picturing children in suits eagerly awaiting their turn at a magical academy. My early stories were like miniature television shows, crafted on spare pages at my grandmother's house and later typed out on her typewriter. Once I learned to type, it became my favorite pastime, weaving tales of intrigue and playfulness at the dining room table, cluttered with art supplies, receipts, and remnants of everyday life.
Surrounded by this chaos, I poured my heart into my stories, creating worlds inspired by the novels I devoured. My family often joked about our shared affliction of being lost in books, oblivious to our surroundings.
Being told that I am a good writer rekindled these cherished memories. It prompted me to reflect on my journey—an evolution born from countless hours of practicing the craft, jotting down my thoughts and observations on any available scrap of paper.
I was recognized as a good writer because it flows from my heart; it’s my favorite pastime. Writing comes to me as naturally as speaking, perhaps even more so. Sharing what was once a private conversation between me and my notebooks with strangers is daunting. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my writing, and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
Explore the key indicators that define a good writer and learn to identify your strengths in the craft.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Craft
Discover five essential signs that reveal if you truly possess the skills of a proficient writer.