Whether you’re writing or editing, this pep talk is for you.

Maybe you’ve got the whole day. Maybe you’ve just got an hour or so,  but you’ve decided to write. And maybe you’re staring at your computer screen or at your notebook and you’re just so stuck trying to start.

That’s okay. Starting’s hard. There are a lot of things you want to do when you write, and you just want the words to come out perfectly. It’s frustrating when they don’t. But just remember– just because you’re struggling to start doesn’t mean you aren’t a good writer, or that your story isn’t a good one.

In fact, your idea is brilliant. You’re the only one in the world with the ability to write this story– did you ever think about that? You are the only one who’s ever had this idea. Maybe it’s similar to some other book, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still original. Your story may have been written before, but never by you. You bring your own experiences, your own stories, your own style, and no one else can write your story exactly as you can. You have something worthwhile to say; say it.

Your story is good and deserves to be told. It may not be perfect right now, but it’s not like anything we write is ever perfect. We’re human and make mistakes, so of course that tendency reflects in what we produce as well. Don’t fight that. Just write, and if something isn’t working out, you can always fix it later. But just because there’s a mistake doesn’t mean it’s bad. Just because some of your dialogue flows awkwardly doesn’t mean that you can’t write relationships; just because your action scenes don’t seem fast-paced enough doesn’t mean they’re not still thrilling. You see things that the reader can’t– they are along for the ride, anticipating your next move but still bound by it. You see your story not just for what it is but for all the infinite possibilities of what it could be. It’s overwhelming to have so many options– but just pick. You’re defining your course, your story, and in that you make it yours.

Your characters are a reflection of you and your life, but they’re also their own people. Write them without worrying about how they seem. Try too hard and you’ll sabotage them; just write and you’ll give them space to breathe and live on their own. Your plot doesn’t have to be perfectly defined right now. Plot stems from characters and their agency. Give them that freedom to choose and you’ll end up with a story. Just write and see where it goes. You’ll get where you need to go.

If you’re reading over what you’ve written and it seems boring, it’s probably because you just wrote it. This story has lived with you for a while, so of course it will seem overdone and plain. But someone else won’t see it that way.

And think about this– someday, you’ll be someone’s favorite author. They’ll love your book. Your characters will motivate them to live a more exciting life. Your story will provide hours of entertainment for any number of people.

You’re a good writer, even if you’re just starting out– half of being a good writer is just writing. You just have to sit down and type out some words. Anyone can do that, but not everyone does, and you do. That’s what makes you a writer.

Your book isn’t going to be like your favorite book, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as good. Don’t keep anything in mind while you write, because if you’re trying to imitate something or someone else, your own creativity can’t shine through. You’re bringing something new to the world as you write, something that’s never been heard before. You use the same 26 letters as everyone else, but your combination of words has never been written. Isn’t it amazing that with all that’s been done there’s still more to do? And your job is to do it.

So write! Express your story. Have some fun. Don’t criticize it just yet (or at all) because it’s good and deserves to be written. You’re going to do great.

Have a fantastic writing day.