7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Writing
7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Writing
That Nobody Tells You
When I first started writing, I was all over the place — Googling “how to be a successful writer,” obsessively reading other people’s blogs, and trying to figure out some magic formula for creating viral content. Spoiler alert: there’s no secret formula. But there are lessons I’ve picked up that I wish someone had told me earlier. So, if you’re just starting out, let me save you some time.
Here are seven pieces of advice for newbie writers — straight from someone who’s stumbled and learned along the way.
1. Never Tell Anyone Your Plan
This might sound odd, but hear me out. When you’re bursting with excitement about your writing journey, it’s tempting to share your goals with everyone. Don’t. Most people won’t understand your vision, and some might even discourage you — intentionally or not. Keep your plans close to your chest and let your results do the talking.
2. Write for Yourself First
When I stopped worrying about pleasing others and started writing for myself, everything changed. Don’t overthink what your audience wants or chase trends just to get clicks. Write about what moves you, what you’re passionate about. Authenticity always wins.
3. Your Blog is Your Power Base
If there’s one thing I got right early on, it’s this: own your platform. Social media algorithms change, platforms come and go, but your blog? That’s yours forever. Build your home base. Even now, after more than a year, my blog is where most of my traffic comes from.
4. Consistency Beats Perfection
You’ll never feel 100% ready to hit “publish.” Guess what? Nobody does. The trick is to show up consistently, even when you’re unsure. Over time, your work will naturally improve, and you’ll build a loyal readership.
5. Not Everything You Write Will Be a Hit
I’ve written pieces that I thought would blow up, only for them to get crickets. And then there are the ones I threw together in an hour that somehow go viral. The point is: you can’t predict what will resonate. Just keep writing.
6. Focus on Connection, Not Virality
Chasing “viral” content is a trap. It’s fleeting. Instead, aim to create pieces that make someone think, laugh, cry, or feel understood. The deeper the connection, the more loyal your readers will be. Trust me, that’s far more valuable in the long run.
7. Writing is a Skill, Not a Gift
People love to romanticize writing as some mystical art that only “natural-born writers” can master. Nope. Writing is a skill you develop through practice, feedback, and learning. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
My Last Words
Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re not seeing results right away. But if you focus on creating meaningful content, learning as you go, and staying consistent, you’ll find your groove — and your audience.
Now, stop reading advice articles and go write!