Chapter 1: The Ease of Personal Narrative

The question of whether it's simpler to write your own story is subjective and depends on individual perspective.

Image by 742680 from Pixabay

As a budding writer aiming to refine my craft, this topic has occupied my thoughts extensively. Feedback from others suggests that I possess a commendable conversational writing style. While I appreciate such compliments, I often wonder if that’s a significant skill in itself.

Considering that I am writing in a second language, predominantly learned outside of formal education, it feels somewhat expected to maintain a personal and relatable tone in nonfiction.

I've noticed that composing my own narratives comes much more naturally than recounting someone else's experiences. This may be a common experience; when the story is personal, the details are familiar, and the words flow effortlessly. The primary task then becomes organizing these thoughts coherently on screen.

Of course, certain situations present greater challenges. Stories imbued with deep emotional resonance can be particularly difficult to articulate, especially if the author hasn’t fully processed those experiences.

However, this raw and heartfelt quality often enhances a story’s appeal. When paired with skillful writing, the emotional depth contributes to a narrative's authenticity, making it more impactful.

Although I don't frequently delve into deeply personal stories, I maintain that writing about what you know is generally easier. Crafting tales that are not your own—whether through research or aiming for broader, fictional perspectives—requires a different level of effort. It demands a thorough exploration of ideas and meticulous word choice to align with the intended mood and message.

This is an area where I continue to seek improvement, but I’ve observed some progress over time. A recent comment from a friend on Medium noted that my writing has “enhanced in recent months,” which reassured me that my efforts are yielding results.

Typically, I invest more time into non-personal narratives, and I sometimes find it challenging to convey my intended message. However, I view this as an integral part of my development as a writer. If this struggle aids in refining my skills, then it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

I intend to harness this motivation to further enjoy my writing journey. With so much left to explore, I recognize that my journey has only just begun.

Self-improvement should be manageable, especially when there are countless areas to develop, ample time to do so, and a step-by-step approach in place.

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Chapter 2: Exploring Short Stories

In this video, "How to Write a Short Story (with NO experience!)", the creator provides valuable insights for beginners on crafting engaging short narratives.

The video "Should Writers Start with Short Stories?" discusses whether starting with short stories can be beneficial for aspiring authors, providing a great resource for those looking to hone their skills.