Creative Content Writing – Sticking to the process and not worrying about the results

Creative/content writing is a journey that many people feel drawn to, but knowing when you're ready to embark on this path can be a bit elusive. When you were in school, there was no choice; there were books written by academic authors, and you were forced to read them, learn them, understand them, and maybe memorize them too if you were aiming for that elusive class topper accolade.

As you scrape through the academic journey and reach an age where you start to understand your surroundings and English literature, time just flies – you are in your late teens. Somewhere, you start picking up nuances, social cues, and a growing emotional quotient day by day. By the time you open your eyes, there would be a Bachelor's Degree in your hand, electronic mail, e-papers, computers, and the World Wide Web where you can spin your brain with heaps of information which today is called as memory. The decision is yours, whether you want to consume those and make them as impressions in your brain or just leave them there, there is never a force.

With the overdose of information available at your fingertips and a job in hand for livelihood, one cannot be immersed just in that. There was always an urge to discover what excites you. At a time when things were moving monotonously, you happen to pick up the habit of reading for enjoyment accidentally (reason being that not many I guess, would really be interested in reading/learning something after having been shoved with academic content from the age of 5 till the age of 22, isn't this obvious?)

But surely there were signs that you might be ready to dive into the world of creative/content writing and embark on a learning journey. How did this happen?

Networking with media content writers and rubbing shoulders with them in the early part of your career can be incredibly beneficial. Here are some key advantages that happened accidentally as part of the professional journey:

• Connections with established writers can open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and projects that you might not have access to otherwise.
• Experienced writers can offer valuable insights and advice on improving your craft. They can also provide guidance on navigating the industry, which can be crucial for your professional growth.
• Being in touch with media content writers helps you stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the industry. This knowledge can give you a competitive edge.

Was this all enough? There was a need to put in the hard yards.

Signs You're Ready for Creative Content Writing

1. You Have a Passion for Stories If you find yourself constantly daydreaming, creating characters, or imagining different worlds, it's a strong indication that you're ready for creative content writing. This passion for storytelling is the fuel that will keep you motivated.
2. You Enjoy Reading A love for reading is often a precursor to writing. If you enjoy immersing yourself in books, analyzing plots, and understanding characters, you're already halfway there. Reading widely can also provide inspiration and insight into different writing styles and help you mimic the styles. Reading helps you internally visualize how the content is structured and presented. It helps you develop an idea of how many words make it ideal for a paragraph, how many words are ideal for an article, what needs to be presented first, and how to conclude, these are to name a few.
3. You Have a Desire to Express Yourself Creative/content writing is a powerful outlet for self-expression. If you have thoughts, feelings, or experiences that you want to share, writing can be a therapeutic and fulfilling way to do so. Earlier there were limited means, but today there are many means (WhatsApp, Twitter to name a few).
4. You’re Not Afraid of Criticism Writing can be a vulnerable act, and receiving feedback is part of the process. If you're open to constructive criticism and willing to learn from it, you're ready to grow as a writer. Yes, there will always be those who will not like your writing and those who will not like you as an individual. Be mindful to understand the thin line between the two as you go on to digest the dosage of criticism.
5. You Have Ideas You Want to Explore Whether it's a single idea or a multitude of them, having something you want to write about is a clear sign that you're ready. These ideas don't have to be fully formed; they can evolve as you write. They can be your own thoughts, expressions, feelings, or even experiences (these make it authentic, don’t they?).

Getting Started

Yes, there will be fear, but it's better to get started and stick to a process as stated by the great MS Dhoni:

• Start Small: Begin with short phrases on your social media handles, tweet a few, post some short stories, or even journal entries before you go to bed. This can help you build confidence and develop your writing skills.
• Read and Analyze: Read a variety of genres and styles. Analyze what you like and don’t like, and think about how you can incorporate these elements into your own writing.
• Set a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day or week to writing. Consistency is key to developing your craft. And so is reading.
• Join a Writing Group: Connecting with other writers can provide support, feedback, and motivation. It’s also a great way to share your work and learn from others. They may not entertain a novice, but you have to keep knocking their door.

Conclusion

Knowing when you're ready for creative writing is about recognizing your passion, willingness to learn, and desire to express yourself. If you see these signs in yourself, take the leap and start writing. Remember, every writer's journey is unique, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process and not worry about the results.