Chapter 1: The Awakening of a Writer

In my writing journey, I’ve published 173 articles on Medium, with a few additional pieces scattered across various platforms. I’ve penned an unpublished novel and a half-finished second attempt, alongside a couple of short stories that remain unseen.

173 articles? That realization struck me like the discovery of a Holy Grail. It made me question everything: Am I seriously allowed to laugh at all the times I patted myself on the back for my so-called achievements? Have I spoken with unwarranted confidence about my skills, even when I felt doubtful? Have I ever been truly satisfied with my writing output, or have I simply settled for less?

My command of English isn’t as strong as I wish it were; I still mix up “than” and “then,” and I often wonder if “advice” is spelled with a "c." If grammar were my only issue, that would be one thing.

Yet, I’ve been so caught up in my own delusions of progress that I failed to see how minimal my accomplishments have been compared to the vast potential that lies ahead.

In essence, I’m just a beginner—a big, innocent, crying baby.

My writing journey officially began on July 13, 2018. Yes, shocking, isn’t it? The realization hit hard. There are many writers who started this year or even just a month ago, already surpassing my output.

What can I do about it? I can either cry about my slow progress or accept it. It took me years to reach my 100th post, and while I know it won’t take as long to double that number, my current post count feels painfully low. I still have so much to write and learn.

I believe Stephen Sovie’s article on the writing hierarchy contributed to my realization. Many individuals ahead of me face similar challenges and likely feel their own insignificance in the writing landscape.

However, this isn’t a competition; no one is inherently better than another.

While I’ve not written nearly enough, my persistence remains unwavering. I acknowledge the existence of a hierarchy, but I refuse to be confined by it. I’m a developing writer, and I’ve come to appreciate the journey more than any destination.

Every time I write, I discover something new, and the excitement continues to grow. I once viewed 100 articles as a significant milestone, and perhaps that was part of my struggle.

Ultimately, I realized my motivation for writing was not as clear as it should be. I thought about earning a decent income from Medium, but I’ve decided not to chase that goal. If it happens organically, that’s wonderful, but it’s not my primary focus.

My true aim is perpetual growth. I’m evolving, learning, and embracing life as a continuous journey, with writing as a crucial part of that process.

Moreover, writing has become a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to clear my mind of negative thoughts. Connecting with like-minded individuals adds to the enjoyment.

And I’m not alone in this journey. Although I write for myself, it’s something we can all share.

The first video, "I'M JUST A BABY! (Original) - YouTube," encapsulates the essence of being new to writing and the emotional rollercoaster it entails.

Chapter 2: The Joy of the Process

Reflecting on my path, I realize that the joy of writing lies in the process itself, not just the end results.

The second video, "GET READY WITH ME FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY | 'I'm just a baby! I WAS AN EGGIE,'" highlights the fun and excitement of creativity, reminding us that every step of the journey is valuable.

Writing is not merely an act; it’s an experience filled with lessons, growth, and connection.