When Octavia Estelle Butler, the revered science fiction author, said, “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence”, she encapsulated the essence of the writing journey that many embark upon. The path of writing is strewn with challenges, doubts, and self-reflection. The beauty of it lies in evolution, growth, and the magic of persistence, which leads us to explore ‘The Power of Starting Even When It’s Not Perfect.’
Starting Out and The Illusion of Mastery
As someone who’s dabbled in the world of product design, specifically UI/UX, my journey into writing was more of an unplanned detour than a chosen path. Like many others, I, Murat Bayral, began writing with the belief that I was producing good content. It was only with time, feedback, and a lot of introspection that I realized there’s always room for improvement.
Being a London-based designer, my primary expertise revolved around creating visual elements that shine! Yet, the lure of expressing oneself through words was too powerful to resist. And just like in design, where the first draft isn’t the final product, writing too requires iteration, feedback, and consistent effort.
The Joy and Challenges
Starting as an amateur can be both liberating and daunting. On the one hand, in my writing journey, there are no expectations, which means I can write freely, exploring a plethora of topics and styles I enjoy. On the other hand, there are sometimes frustrations about producing content that is valuable, engaging, and resonates with readers. Most probably, I will get used to it; it’s just a matter of time.
Sharing my experiences on platforms like Medium has become a means of not only expressing myself but also connecting with others (according to Semrush.com, In August medium.com received 154.9M visits with the average session duration 10:34). It has become evident that the writing community is a vast pool of supportive individuals, many of whom have faced similar challenges, doubts, and moments of euphoria.
Value of Feedback
One of the most vital lessons I’ve learned is the significance of feedback. Being open to suggestions doesn’t mean losing one’s unique voice or style. Instead, it means growing, evolving, and refining the craft. Feedback, whether from seasoned writers or readers, is invaluable. It offers a fresh perspective, highlights areas of improvement, and often provides encouragement.
Octavia Butler’s emphasis on persistence is the golden thread that ties every writer’s journey. Whether you’re an established author, a product designer venturing into writing, or someone journaling their thoughts, persistence is the key. It’s about showing up, writing even when the words don’t flow effortlessly, and believing in the process.
Conclusion:
Writing, like any other skill, requires dedication, effort, and, most importantly, the belief that you can always improve. As I continue to juggle between my love for design and my passion for writing, I am reminded of the numerous possibilities and avenues waiting to be explored. At the end of the day, if you have expectations of me writing a novel, I’m sorry for you 🙂
If you’ve ever felt the urge to write, remember Octavia Butler’s words: Start, even if you think it’s crap. With time, effort, and persistence, the journey not only gets easier but also immensely rewarding. Don’t forget to explore other posts on my blog and share them with your audience!