My daughter, who started school this year, has started to read. It is an exciting time for her as she has always been a book lover, and now she gets the joy of knowing how to interpret those books. However, she is reluctant to start. She doesn't get the same joy through reading herself, she still prefers me to read to her. There is a part of me that is secretly happy about that.
Watching her being too frightened to take those first steps into reading in case she gets it wrong made me think about how I was when I started teaching. On my first day teaching, I was bright red and so nervous; one of the more experienced teachers put her arm on me and said it would get better. I thought she was mad; how would this even get better? Now, I walk into a classroom and don't give the lesson a second thought. After twenty-five years, it is second nature.
We are all like this when we start writing: Will the work be received well? Have I made any errors in it? The first thing to say is, yes, you will make errors. Even the most seasoned writer makes errors in their work; it is human nature. That should not stop you from starting, though.
When you start writing, your words will feel clunky, and it will be hard to truly portray the message in your head on paper, but it will get easier as you write. Even if it is the worst thing anyone has ever written, you have to hit publish. Taking that first step in showing your work is the most important. The next piece will be slightly easier, and as you practice, this will keep getting easier.
Writing is never easy. I still struggle with some articles, but I know now that I can sit down and write a newsletter with minimum stress. I enjoy the process now and look forward to sitting and chatting with you all on Sunday.
If you have been lurking on Substack and never had the courage to start your first article, I urge you to make this week the week you start. Starting is the hardest part; from then on, it becomes easy.
If you're still not convinced, reply to this email and send me your draft, and I will look it over for you.
If you enjoy this email, please share it so more readers can find it. If you need advice or writing tips, I would love to hear them. Drop them in the comments or email me by hitting reply to this newsletter.
Until next week stay safe
Sam 😊
Writing happens in the unconscious, in the hours trying to sleep, in the hours actually sleeping, in the hours listening to music, walking, playing with a yo-yo or reading other people's books. - Stephen Fry