Self-Expression – Voices 36

A couple of years ago I wanted to start a blog because I saw a lot of things happening on the news. I just wanted to write about it. I decided to write for this small magazine.

I wrote about political things. Things you’d see on the news, and sometimes cultural things.

At first, when I was writing an article a week, I would scroll through social media or watch TV to see what inspires me.

It’s easy to see things happening and have a frustration about it, especially because you aren’t able to do anything about it. And sometimes it seems that way; sometimes it is that way.

But writing gives you a voice. I had a platform.

When my articles gained traction, that gave me the motivation to keep writing. Because I know that what I’m writing does matter.

I never wrote for the intention of something being just for me. I haven’t really tried that.

I don’t think I delve into topics that are personal. I’m always writing about things that are highly relatable.

When I started writing, it was always about Trump. For the first couple of months, it was always about political stuff.

Then I kind of got bored, so I started writing about cultural things and lifestyle—mostly music. If there was like an album I liked, I would write about it. It gave me a lot of creative freedom.

When I write, I don’t think about what other people think about it. I’d feel comfortable releasing it because those are truly my thoughts.

I wouldn’t try to cater to anybody else. So stay true to yourself.

When I’d be afraid of backlash, it might’ve made me say things in a milder way. But I wouldn’t ever change what I’m trying to say.

I should try to do more personal writing. Writing that is more relatable to myself, until I realize that other people relate to it too. It’s almost like the next step.

For someone who wants to start writing, don’t get discouraged. Have a clear vision of what you want to do—write about things that speak to you. Don’t feel like you have to conform to a certain kind of writing.