Being a Teenage Writer

So, you want to be a published writer one day? You want to go into a bookstore, and spot a book sitting there, with your name on its spine. Or you want to open a newspaper one day, and see articles you wrote, telling peoples stories to the rest of the world. Or maybe you just want to write online, and share what you love doing most with others.

But there is so much standing in your way – maybe school’s pressuring you about exams, maybe you’re laughed at for aspiring to write, or maybe your parents don’t agree.

Trust me, I know how you feel.

From a young age, all I could imagine myself doing was being an author, and letting children all over the world experience the way words clang and clash together to create intense feelings of joy; relief and even pain.

But as I grew older, doubts arose. How will this support me? I might never have time to write. What if I’m actually no good at it?  

And every time I overcame a hurdle or doubt, another one appeared in its place. Then, exams came, and together, it all became too much. I abandoned my writing and focused entirely on getting through school. At the time, I thought that I’d get back to it, when I went to college. I had no idea how much harder it would get!

Work piled up, and I rarely had time to myself anymore. I was becoming frustrated, constantly on the verge of tears.

One day, I had had enough.

I pushed all my work away, took a day off from college, and wrote. It wasn’t about anything in particular – it was mostly numerous short (very short) stories. And afterwards, I felt better. I felt refreshed. I felt a whole lot happier.

Afterwards, I began making myself a schedule. I would study for an amount of time, and then I would write, and then study, and usually a cup of tea followed.

My grades improved, my mood improved, and frankly, after coming to college, my writing had improved.

I began showing my work to others. Friends; teachers and other writers. They gave me feedback, and I grew better and more confident. It became clear to those around me that I wanted to be a writer. Encouragement was offered, and I gratefully accepted. I found a ‘creative writing club’ at my college and found people who thought just like me.

I became happier, and inevitably healthier. I made friends, I laughed more and, most importantly, I wrote.

Not only had writing cheered me up, it had help me become the person I truly needed to be. Had I given up, I would never have been truly happy, as I am now.

My point, I guess, is that no matter what gets in your way, you should keep trying; and keep writing. Especially since there are people who are waiting to see your name on a books spine, or your article in their papers.

And if it makes you happier along the way, as it did me, I suppose there’s no way you could regret it.