Chapter 1: The Weight of Doubt

Lately, I’ve found myself deep in thought, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment. Why can't I express my ideas in writing as effortlessly as I can pour my soul into poetry? This struggle feels overwhelming. My aspiration is to become a skilled writer, yet the moment I stray from my comfort zone, panic sets in. Negative thoughts invade my mind, whispering that I’m not smart enough for this and that I’m nothing but a joke. The sting of tears threatens as I fight against the notion that my value is tied solely to one facet of my life.

I am a survivor of sex trafficking, having endured sexual abuse from the age of seven until my twenties. In those dark times, I often sought solace in books, whether I was confined to a room, closet, or basement. The lyrical beauty of the Psalms, the intrigue of old Sherlock Holmes tales, and the profound works of Shakespeare captivated me. These literary escapes became my lifeline.

Now, having freed myself from the clutches of my past, I am starting anew. Yet, I often feel lost and unworthy. For so long, my existence revolved around pleasing men and enduring physical abuse, making even simple tasks like crafting a well-punctuated article or discerning between affection and harm feel daunting. The world feels intimidating, and people often frighten me.

Writing for myself is liberating; there’s no judgment or expectation. However, sharing my work with others, opening myself up for scrutiny, is terrifying. I acknowledge my struggles with writing, but I refuse to let them define me. I am committed to improving my skills and learning. I want to embrace my newfound freedom from the trauma I endured.

I am determined to sever the ties of harmful words that echo in my mind, such as “I’m worthless,” “good for nothing,” and “meant to belong to a man.” Those words were instilled in me, but now I seek more from life. I aspire to take pride in my achievements and to create something meaningful, independent of my past.

The first video, "7 Reasons Your Writing Sucks! (And Tips To Fix It)," offers valuable insights into common writing pitfalls and strategies for improvement.

Section 1.1: Finding My Voice

As I reflect on my writing journey, I recognize the importance of finding my unique voice. It's essential to embrace the process of self-discovery and allow my experiences to shape my writing.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Storytelling

Chapter 2: Moving Beyond Fear

I understand that growth comes with discomfort. Each word I write is a step toward liberation. Yes, I struggle, but I am committed to overcoming these barriers.

The second video, "Why you SUCK at writing: Female characters," dives into common mistakes writers make, particularly in character development, offering guidance on how to improve.