Do You Remember Your First Story?
That beautiful, imperfect story.
I was reminded of my very first story the other day as it was coming up on a decade since it first saw the light of day. It was published in a local newspaper. The story was talking about exchange students. Not a life-changing or super important piece at all. The story came out on a Thursday. I remember seeing the byline, my name. I felt so proud. Called my mom. Got several copies of the newspaper.
Then the months and years go by. You’re used to the byline. The stories. The writing. Writing again. Routines. There’s not too much room for the excitement anymore. It’s a job, now. Life continues. You grow up.
If you’re stuck on writer’s block or have lost your motivation: Don’t forget the magic of your first story.
Your artwork of forming the words, sentences, and paragraphs together. Mixing and matching. Going back and forth. Analyzing. Piecing it all perfectly imperfect together. Hold onto it. As Margaret Atwood would say: If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.
If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.
— Margaret Atwood
Someone out there will want to read your words, your art.
