Chapter 1: The Journey of Writing Every Day

Many writers embark on their journeys without a structured plan, driven by pure enthusiasm for the craft. For them, writing is an outlet for their thoughts, emotions, and ideas, flowing freely once inspiration strikes. The joy of crafting words often outweighs any financial gain, with the satisfaction of expressing unique ideas taking precedence.

However, as time passes, that initial excitement can wane. Writers may start to focus on their shortcomings, leading to self-rejection rather than waiting for a publisher's critique. This marks the beginning of the pursuit to become a ‘perfect writer.’

When aspiring to achieve this ideal, many envision transforming their thoughts into eloquent prose with ease. They yearn for the ability to craft words as effortlessly as Eminem delivers his verses in the underrated track “Fack.”

One such aspiring writer is myself. I dreamed of becoming the Eminem of writing but often doubted my worth due to inconsistent writing habits. During my non-writing days, I questioned my identity as a writer.

An older woman once shared a piece of advice that resonated with me: she suggested I write four pages every morning, emptying my mind without censorship, and then discard the pages. She termed this practice ‘Writer’s Meditation.’ Though I nodded in agreement, I didn’t initially follow through.

It wasn’t until I joined Medium and encountered various ‘daily writing challenges’ that I felt compelled to take action. I decided to embark on a 30-day writing challenge in July. Although the month isn’t over yet, I’m eager to share my experiences thus far.

The Challenges of Daily Writing

#### 1. Running Out of Ideas

When engaging in daily writing, you may soon discover that your pool of ideas can dwindle quickly. While I have a list of potential titles for stories, generating the content for them often proves challenging. Some titles deserve more time and thought than a single day allows, and your writing needs space to develop before it can be finalized.

#### 2. Time Management Struggles

Unless you are exceptionally fortunate, you likely have other commitments beyond writing. Whether it’s a standard job or side hustles, these responsibilities can consume significant time and mental energy. Balancing daily writing with other obligations becomes a daunting task.

#### 3. Risk of Burnout

Building ‘Writer’s Stamina’ is essential; the more you write, the better you become. However, if you start a daily writing commitment as a novice, you may face burnout. Losing motivation to write altogether is a real threat. If that happens, it’s okay to pause your challenge. Don’t let the opinions of others deter you; what matters most is keeping your passion for writing alive.

Now that we’ve discussed the drawbacks, let’s shift focus to the positive aspects of daily writing.

The Benefits of Daily Writing

#### 1. Natural Flow of Writing

Writing is akin to mastering a skill, such as singing or playing an instrument. Regular practice enhances your ability. Gradually, the anxiety of facing a blank screen diminishes, and you may find yourself overcoming writer’s block more frequently.

#### 2. Discovering Your Voice

Daily writing allows you to explore a variety of topics. Whether crafting a lengthy fiction piece or jotting down a quick poem, you’ll experiment with different styles and genres. Through this exploration, you’ll identify the subjects that resonate with you and refine your unique voice.

#### 3. Filtering Out Unhelpful Advice

As the saying goes, “If you drink plenty of water, you’ll be too busy to listen to others’ nonsense.” The same principle applies to writing. Engaging in daily writing keeps you focused and less susceptible to external distractions. The most valuable guidance will come from friends and mentors who genuinely wish to see you succeed.

© Sudarsan Karki 2022 All Rights Reserved