Recently, I delved into the pages of a book titled “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser, where he eloquently explored the journey from writing with unruly passion to approaching it from a more business-oriented perspective. However, what truly resonated with me and transported me back to my early college years was the simple declaration: “Writing is hard.”
As I reflect on this statement, considering the myriad pieces I’ve written over the years, from poems and books to articles, and a pending master’s thesis, I find myself nodding in agreement. Writing is indeed a formidable challenge; it’s an art that rarely yields perfection on the first attempt, as [Author’s Name] aptly conveys. I’m reminded of the countless times a professor has critiqued my work, asking me to revise and clarify my intended message.
Undoubtedly, it can be a headache-inducing endeavor, navigating a landscape that spans both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. There are moments when you sit at your desk, at 1 am, with a poorly brewed cup of coffee, scratching your head. They say writing isn’t for the faint-hearted, nor is it for those who aren’t fully committed. It’s a craft open to all, but only some will persevere to tell their stories.
What draws me to writing is the beauty that emerges amid the challenges and the inevitable errors I commit to paper. From crafting complex introductions to inserting witty puns, every aspect of writing is a contest in which I engage. It’s a constant effort to convey my authentic self through my words. Yet, in my view, that’s the most rewarding aspect of writing — discovering and amplifying your unique voice, taking it to new heights for the world to witness.
Of course, we can all write and share our work with the world, but as William Zinsser underscores, a writer must cultivate an audience primarily for themselves. I admit to often trying to cater to everyone’s tastes, but I’ve come to understand that I must write for what I want to express, not for the random library visitor’s approval.
The same principle applies to my poetry. I don’t write about the beauty of the sky to please others; I choose to explore how the sky evokes personal growth, the cyclic patterns I observe, and the shifting shades of blue and grey in the clouds that influence my perception of pain, love, and more. This fusion of ideas and struggles ultimately gives rise to a unique narrative, one that may elude us when we first start but, much like tending to a garden, blooms beautifully in the end.
One of the most enchanting aspects of writing, besides punctuation marks and the energy they convey, is how user experience (UX) takes all these elements and transforms them into a writer’s dream. UX, as I’ve come to realize in my writing journey, shapes content in ways we may not initially consider. It smooths out the errors on a blank page, providing guidance as if a friend were standing beside us, guiding us through a challenging quest. Each website we encounter boasts its own form of UX artistry, with unique designs, colors, and layouts. While we often deliberate over the role of UX writers and content designers, I still perceive a creator wielding words with precision, constructing a story that blossoms on each page, even in the subtlest of ways.
There’s still so much more to explore about the beauty of writing, but for now, let me revisit a crucial point: writing is undeniably hard, even when you pour your heart and soul into it. You might still feel lost, uncertain if your audience will grasp your message. You might even lose track of the user’s path you intended. But through revision, collaboration, and dedication, we craft something not only for them but also for ourselves and the world to appreciate. My hope is that you, too, will discover your own unique love for writing, embracing each challenge as an opportunity to grow and tell your story.
If you haven’t already give me a follow on medium or check out my poetry book Midnight Mirage, have a great one!
