When I started writing, I was like an overexcited kid given the keys to a candy store—brimming with enthusiasm but absolutely clueless about what I was doing. I devoured every piece of writing advice I could find, hoping to fast-track my journey to becoming a better writer.
Some tips helped, sure, but a lot of it? Pure noise.
Looking back, I realize I could’ve saved myself from much frustration if I had learned these lessons sooner. But that’s the beauty of growth—you stumble, fall, and eventually figure things out.
I discovered five hard-earned lessons through trial and error and a fair share of facepalms.
1. Write Often, But Fix Your Mistakes
When I first dipped my toes into the writing world, I kept hearing this mantra: “Just write as much as you can. Quantity over quality.” So, I did precisely that. I wrote. A lot. Blog posts, social media updates, random thoughts jotted in the middle of the night—you name it.
But here’s the catch: I wasn’t getting any better.
“Why isn’t this working? I’m writing so much, but nothing feels right.”
One day, curiosity (or maybe self-torture) made me reread my older pieces. I cringed. I mean, really cringed. My sentences felt awkward, and my ideas scattered like puzzle pieces from different boxes. That’s when the lightbulb flickered on. Writing isn’t just about pouring words onto a page; it’s about learning from those words.
Now, I treat writing like a conversation with my past self. I write, but I also pause, reread, and reflect. I ask, “What was I trying to say here? Could I say it better?” Mistakes? Oh, they’re inevitable. But fixing them? That’s where growth lives.
2. Read What Interests You, Not Just to Impress Others
There was a phase when I believed that I needed to read everything under the sun to be a great writer. Self-help books I didn’t care for? Check. Academic articles that felt like decoding alien scripts? Double-check.
But guess what? None of it stuck.
“Am I even absorbing any of this? Or just pretending to?”
I was reading to tick boxes, not to learn. I’d skim through articles, drop a “Great piece!” comment, and move on—thinking I was building connections. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.
Eventually, I realized that meaningful reading comes from genuine curiosity. Now, I read what sparks my interest. Whether it’s a thought-provoking essay, an IoT case study, or even a quirky poem, I take my time. I underline sentences, jot down notes, and let the words marinate.
Reading this way doesn’t just fill my brain; it fuels my writing.
3. Comment Like You Mean It
Ah, the “comment-for-engagement” strategy. Been there, done that.
In the early days, I thought leaving many comments would make me visible. So, I plastered generic lines like, “Nice post!” or “Interesting thoughts!” across articles.
But here’s the thing—writers can smell insincerity from a mile away.
“Why isn’t anyone responding to my comments? Aren’t I engaging enough?”
One day, I received a heartfelt comment on one of my posts. It wasn’t long, but it was thoughtful. The reader shared how my words resonated with their experience. That comment? It stayed with me.
I realized genuine connections aren’t built on autopilot responses. Now, when I comment, I pause. “Did something in the article make me think differently? Did it remind me of a personal story?” I share that. Authenticity might not flood your notifications, but it builds lasting bridges.
4. Don’t Play the Follow-for-Follow Game
Ah, the seductive trap of the “follow-for-follow” game. In my eagerness to grow my audience, I followed anyone and everyone, thinking they’d return the favour. For a while, it worked. My follower count climbed, but my engagement? Crickets.
“Why do I have so many followers but no real interactions?”
I had an audience, but not a community.
One day, it hit me: “Why am I following people whose work doesn’t inspire me? Why am I chasing numbers instead of connections?”
So, I hit the reset button. I started following writers whose words I genuinely enjoyed and whose thoughts challenged me. The growth became slower, but it felt real. When someone follows me today, I know it’s because they value my voice, not because of an unspoken social contract.
5. Write When You Have Something to Say
“Write every day, no matter what.”
I took that advice to heart. Even on days when inspiration was as dry as the Sahara, I forced myself to write. The result? Words that felt forced, soulless, and frankly, forgettable.
“Why does my writing feel empty even though I’m consistent?”
Then I had an epiphany: Writing isn’t just about writing. It’s about sharing—sharing an idea, a lesson, or a story that matters—even if it’s just for you.
Now, I write when something stirs within me. It could be a fleeting thought, a conversation, or an article that sparked an idea. Writing from that place? It flows. It feels alive. And more often than not, it resonates with readers.
Final Thoughts
Writing isn’t a race. It’s a journey filled with detours, pit stops, and occasional breakdowns.
I’ve stumbled, cringed at my past mistakes, and learned lessons the hard way, but each misstep has shaped my growth.
If you’re starting your writing journey, here’s my two cents: Don’t chase perfection. “Chase authenticity.” Write, reflect, connect genuinely, and let your voice evolve.
After all, the most powerful stories aren’t the ones polished to perfection—they’re the ones that come from the heart.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 