Cool Things I’m Learning On My Writing Journey

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” – Alvin Toffler

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be on this wild adventure called a “writing journey”, I would have probably laughed it off and then found something else to laugh about immediately after. But here I am, fingers flying across the keyboard, trying to piece together all the things I’ve been learning so far on my Write Pact writing challenge. Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of delightful surprises, hard-earned lessons, and a lot of ‘oh, that’s why they say that’.

Anyway, here are some of the things that this writing journey has taught me so far—with a sprinkle of humour and a dash of positivity because that’s just how I roll.

1. Writing is Equal Parts Chaos and Magic

First off, can we talk about how writing feels like trying to corral a bunch of wild animals into a tidy, organised sentence? One minute, you’re brimming with ideas—punchy phrases and deep thoughts—and the next, it’s like your brain has packed up and gone on vacation.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: that chaos? It’s part of the magic. It’s the thrill of the unknown, where anything can happen. I’ve come to embrace those chaotic moments because they usually lead to breakthroughs. The words eventually find their way back, sometimes in the middle of a shower or while I’m trying to fall asleep (which is, let’s be honest, inconvenient but also hilarious).

2. Perfection is Overrated, Progress is Gold

Perfection? Not in this writing world! I used to think every sentence had to be flawless, every paragraph sculpted like a masterpiece. Well, guess what? The delete button exists for a reason, and it’s my best friend.

I’ve learned that progress, no matter how messy, is what counts. Even if I end up cutting 90% of what I wrote, that remaining 10% is still progress. I just remind myself that each draft is a step closer to where I want to be. Plus, who doesn’t love a good ‘before and after’ transformation? Draft 1 vs. Draft 5? Hilarious.

3. Writers Block is Real (But Temporary)

I have stared at blank pages like they owe me money. Writer’s block is real, but, like all temporary inconveniences—bad internet (*side-eyes Aitel*), traffic jams, and burnt stew—it eventually passes.

When I’m stuck, I’ve learned to get up, walk around, grab a snack (or five), and let my brain take a little breather. Before I know it, something clicks, and I’m back in the flow. Oh, and I’ve found that watching funny Instagram Reels can be surprisingly helpful. Laughter truly is the best cure—especially when the creative tank is running on empty.

4. Your Voice is Your Superpower

One of the biggest lessons? I’ve realised that no one writes like me. And that’s not a bad thing; it’s my superpower! Sometimes I catch myself trying to sound like this author or that blogger, and I have to hit pause and remind myself: my voice, my style, my quirks—those are what make my writing stand out.

And guess what? The same goes for you if you’re on a similar journey. I’m learning to embrace my weird analogies, my occasional rambles, and my odd sense of humour because that’s what makes my writing mine. No one else can bring what I bring to the page.

5. Consistency is the Key to Everything (Well, Almost Everything)

If I got paid for every time someone said, “Consistency is key,” I’d be, well, very consistent about collecting my money. But it’s true—consistency in writing is a game-changer. It’s not about writing a Pulitzer Prize-worthy piece every day; it’s about showing up, even when the words aren’t flowing like a fine wine.

Some days, I can churn out a thousand words like it’s nothing. On other days, writing one decent paragraph feels like climbing Mount Everest. But every little bit counts. It’s like building a muscle: the more you write, the stronger (and faster) you get. So, I keep showing up, even if all I have to offer is a single sentence for a social media caption. Progress is progress!

6. Feedback is Your Friend (Yes, Even the Difficult Ones)

Ah, feedback. It’s like bitter melon—not always the most fun thing to eat, but it’s super healthy for you. I used to get nervous whenever I shared my writing. Even before I began my writing challenge, I was a bag of nervous thoughts. Would people like it? Would they get it? Over time, I’ve learned that feedback—especially the constructive kind—is golden.

The more I open myself up to hearing what others think, the better my writing becomes. Sure, some comments can sting a little (I mean, who wouldn’t be sad to hear that their work is “too boring”?), but I’ve learned to take those notes, tweak my approach, and come out with stronger, tighter writing.

7. There’s No ‘One Right Way’ to Write

Here’s the best part of the writing journey: there’s no single path to follow. Whether you’re a planner, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, or somewhere in between, there’s no “wrong” way to go about writing. I used to obsess over how successful writers did things, thinking I had to mimic their process. But guess what? My process is mine, and it works for me—chaos and all.

Some days I outline, other days I free-write, and sometimes I just doodle in the margins until something clicks. It’s all part of the ride, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts more and more.

8. Celebrate the Small Wins (Because They’re Big Wins in Disguise)

If I’ve learned anything on this writing journey, it’s to celebrate every little win. Wrote 500 words? Hallelujah! Edited that stubborn paragraph? Eat a piece of chocolate (or 2)! Finished a draft? Time to throw a mini party with my baby.

I used to wait for the big milestones to celebrate, but now I’m all about acknowledging the small steps forward. Writing isn’t just about the end product; it’s about enjoying the process, embracing the journey, and laughing at all the bumps along the way.

9. You’ll Gain Many Other Skills That Have Nothing To Do With Writing

Since I’m relearning to write publicly, I must document my daily progress and show people how I’m progressing. I’m doing this by creating daily videos of me working and the projects I’m executing. This is helping me to gain other skills outside of writing and improve my storytelling and video editing skills which are some things I did not plan to learn on this journey. This is a plus in my books.

Anyway, as I continue on this writing journey, one thing is certain: I’ll never stop learning. There will always be new challenges, new lessons, and yes, plenty of laughs. Writing is equal parts joy and struggle, but it’s a journey I’m grateful to be on.

So, here’s to the chaos, the magic, and the lessons yet to come. And if you’re on this journey too, keep going. We’ve got this—and we might as well have a good laugh along the way.

Do you have any questions about learning to write better? Leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!