Discovering Fresh Approaches to Writing: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Joy and Struggle of Writing
When I resumed my writing journey last January, inspiration flowed effortlessly. My debut story on Medium, detailing a scam that cost me $5,000, practically wrote itself in under an hour, pouring from my memory into an article.
Subsequent pieces, particularly those recounting our challenging immigration journey and childhood traumas, didn't emerge as easily as that first one, yet I still managed to complete them within a day.
However, I've noticed that lately, it takes me at least three days to finish a single story.
I could attribute this to our hectic life since moving back across the globe—jet lag, resettling, and organizing our lives—but I believe it goes deeper.
Returning home to Manila, I’ve been devoid of the intense feelings of despair and anxiety that fueled my writing in Canada. This realization struck me: the emotional turmoil that once drove my creativity is no longer present.
My earlier writing frenzy resembled my high school days, when I would write fervently, producing over a hundred short stories and poems, some published in the school magazine. Sadly, I have no copies of those magazines or the notebooks filled with my teenage angst and heartfelt poetry.
Section 1.1: Reflections on Youthful Writing
In addition to prose and poetry, I exchanged lengthy letters with my first love—a fellow sentimental teenager. Our correspondence filled A4 pages, with each letter consuming at least three sheets of paper in minuscule handwriting.
I often wonder what we penned that merited those extensive letters every week throughout high school.
Although I was infatuated, our relationship never transitioned into reality due to restrictions on dating and his eventual move abroad. Like my earlier writings, those letters have vanished, likely discarded when I committed to my husband, as I sought to leave the past behind.
Subsection 1.1.1: Revisiting the Past
Reflecting on that melancholic girl may have rekindled my lost passion for writing at a rapid pace. Yet, perhaps this challenge compels me to seek new depths and sources of inspiration for my craft.
Section 1.2: Embracing New Inspirations
Throughout my writing journey, I've drawn upon my own truth and experiences. I've often shied away from narrating others' stories, especially regarding political or social issues, fearing criticism about my credibility.
I've even hesitated to explore lighter topics like pop culture, as I didn't want to appear pretentious. However, I now recognize the necessity to embrace courage and venture into unfamiliar territory.
"The scariest moment is always just before you start." (Stephen King)
I believe my own truth will still resonate within these new stories, shaped by my unique perspective. If this invites criticism or trolls, so be it.
Chapter 2: Finding Your Own Voice
The first video, "Pietro Gravino&Ruggiero Lo Sardo - WeWrite exploring new ways of writing," delves into innovative methods that can invigorate your writing process.
The second video, "Innovative Writing Tools and Techniques," offers insights into new tools and techniques to enhance your writing experience.
What about you?
What fuels your creativity?
Where do you find inspiration in your writing?
If you're curious about the articles I mentioned earlier, here are some links to them.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and may your life be filled with stories worth telling!