We all have those moments that shift the trajectory of our lives. For some, the realization that writing is more than a pastime comes as a whisper, a persistent thought tugging at the heart. Others may experience it as a revelation, a sudden, unstoppable urge to put words to paper, to make sense of the world through storytelling.

Maybe it happened while reading a life-changing book that stirred something deep within, making you think, “I want to create something this profound, too.” Or was it an emotionally intense experience, invoking grief, joy, or loss, that could only be processed through writing? However it arrives, the call to write is unmistakable and impossible to ignore. It was for me. After starting and stopping over 15 years, my whisper made me dedicate time and resources to learning the writing craft.

A Promise, A Purpose

The decision to write is deeply personal. Some have promised themselves, a loved one, that they would put their thoughts and experiences into words. Perhaps it was a promise to a parent. Writing then becomes not just an act of self-expression, but one of devotion and fulfillment. I finished the first draft of my first manuscript because of a promise to Mom. Others take up the pen to heal trauma, their own or others’. Writing offers a way to process emotions, to make sense of the chaos of life often brings. It can transform grief into meaning and confusion into clarity. So, in many ways, writing can be self-care, a sacred space where thoughts can be unraveled, and healing can begin.

Writing as a Way of Seeing

Being a writer changes how you view the world. Much like other creatives, conversations, moments, and emotions become potential stories. You notice the tiny details others might overlook in the way someone hesitates before speaking, the unspoken tension in a room, the way light filters through the trees on a quiet morning. Writing teaches us to observe deeply, to listen closely, to understand human nature in ways that others may not. The ability to see the world through this lens is both a gift and a responsibility. Writers bear witness to life’s complexities and translate them into stories that others can connect with. Whether fiction or memoir, poetry or essays, our words have power to soothe, to affirm, and to inspire.

The Challenges and Rewards of the Writing Journey

Like any calling, writing is not without its challenges. The blank page can be as intimidating as the fear of not being ‘good enough’. Doubt creeps in just as it does in any craft or discipline. Currently, I’m revising my manuscript and there are many days it gets overwhelming, causing me to shut down for weeks. Self-doubt can be crippling. Truth is, even the greatest writers were once beginners, stumbling through messy drafts, learning by doing. A fact I try to remember when doubt creeps into my psyche.

What’s my recommendation? If you feel the pull to write. Do it. Start imperfectly, start while afraid, start before you feel ready. The only way to grow as a writer is to write—consistently, persistently, and with courage. 

Writing isn’t about flawlessness. It’s about creative expression, your constantly evolving skills, and sharing stories that need to be told. Every writer faces self-doubt, but those who persevere are the ones who ultimately fulfill their purpose. The first draft of my manuscript was a cluster, but I’ll never forget the feeling of typing the end. That alone empowered me to continue.

Embracing the Journey

So, where do we begin? Embrace trust, believe that your stories matter. Give yourself grace. Allow yourself to write imperfectly, knowing that growth comes with practice. We begin with community, surrounding ourselves with other writers who understand the struggles and joys of this journey. And most importantly, we begin with faith, and the understanding that writing is a calling. It is a way to connect, to heal, to bear witness. It is a way to honor the promises we have made to ourselves, to our loved ones, to the stories waiting to be told.

If you feel the call to write, answer it. The world needs your voice. It needs your point of view. Whether you write for publication or for personal reflection, your words have the power to bring light into the darkness, to capture the beauty and challenges of the human experience.

You have what it takes. Next steps? Put pen to paper and write that story.