Two years ago today, I made my first post under the name Another English Student. It probably won't surprise you that it was not done on this website. In fact, it was done on a tumblr which may or may not still exist, I'm not really sure.
In many ways, those two years have absolutely flown by! I've graduated uni and moved back home. I've started my first job. I took up yoga and knitting!
And I've realised that writing is hard. And it's something I really want to do.
Recognising Progress
Truth be told, I hate reading my old writing. Well, who doesn't? But looking backwards, I know that things have changed. I know the way I write and the things I write about are changing day to day. I'm more structured than I used to be, and I'm finding a balance between the more formal, essay based writing that rely on argument and structure, and the casual stuff that is quick and easy to write.
Recently I've started writing marketing copy at work. It's a very different way of writing to blogging, and I don't always love it, but it's making me more considerate of audience and platform. Being more involved in a world of writing, and taking more note of the way other book lovers are using their platforms to express their feelings makes writing itself a more interesting process.
I always thought I would be a fictional writer, if I were ever to write. But as I've fallen into non-fiction writing, I've realised that I love this just as much. Of course, expressing emotion through characters, creating a story that people can engage with...well, it still sounds like the most incredible thing a person could do. And yet, part of me thinks that non-fiction is the way for me. I can express my own opinions, craft arguments, inform people of important matters. All whilst sitting in a comfy armchair, a coffee by my side, and my laptop in front of me.
I just think that's kind of incredible, and I can't wait to do more of it.
Getting Shit Done
I'm really proud of how far my website has come. I designed and built it myself (with the very kind assistance of Wix). I blog weekly on here, biweekly on The Struggling Graduate, and I'm creating content for Emposia. I started a podcast!! (I'm still not over this).
And the thing I'm most proud of myself for?
Recognising that I'm doing all these things. Obviously I'm proud I'm doing them (especially on top of full time work) but I'm so happy with myself for putting in the effort, continually working on improving them all, and recognising that these are Big Things™.
In the past, it wouldn't be unheard of for me to do a tonne of work but just keep pushing because I didn't recognise the worth of the work I had done. Now, I'm recognising that I put in a hell of a lot of work. (I'm still not good at taking breaks, but one thing at a time, hey).
So my birthday present to myself this year?
A whole week off writing!
Okay, I'm unlikely to follow through with this one, but I've written this post a week early, and got ahead on a few other projects so that for just a little bit of time, I don't have to think too hard about creating content. Don't get me wrong, I love it, buuuuuuut a little time away from it also sounds kinda nice.
Happy Birthday Me!
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