The Art of Writing Through Embarrassment

February 12, 2022

English is a terrible language, and nothing tastes more like humble pie than reading your own words.

If you’re struggling with your writing, consider this gem from my own vault of questionable prose:

He thought for a moment, then began typing furiously on the air keyboard.

Yes, you read that right. An air keyboard. I promise you, whatever you’re writing, it’s better than that. I was almost too embarrassed to put this out in the world, but hey, we all struggle sometimes.

The Importance of Perseverance

Writing isn’t always a smooth ride. There are moments when the words just don’t come out right, and you end up creating something that makes you cringe in hindsight. The key is to keep going, to push through the rough patches, and to laugh at your missteps.

Everyone Has Their Off Days

Even seasoned writers have their off days. Days when the creative juices just aren’t flowing, and everything you write feels like it was conceived by a sleep-deprived squirrel. It’s important to remember that this is a normal part of the process. You’re not alone in your struggles.

The Humbling Power of Embarrassment

I just pray I was very drunk when I came up with such brilliant prose. But in all seriousness, embarrassment can be a powerful teacher. It reminds us that we’re human, that we make mistakes, and that those mistakes are stepping stones to better writing.

Learning from Your Mistakes

Every cringe-worthy line, every awkward sentence is a learning opportunity. It’s a chance to reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve. Don’t shy away from your mistakes. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them to fuel your growth as a writer.

Finding the Humor in Writing

One of the best ways to deal with writing struggles is to find the humor in them. Laugh at your missteps, share them with fellow writers, and take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Writing is a journey, and sometimes the best stories come from the bumps along the way.

The Air Keyboard: A Case Study

Take my air keyboard, for example. It’s a ridiculous image, but it serves as a reminder not to take myself too seriously. Creativity requires a willingness to experiment, to fail, and to get back up again. So, embrace your inner air keyboard typist, and keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

Writing is hard. It’s full of challenges, embarrassing moments, and lots of self-doubt. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re struggling with your writing, remember that we all have our off days. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them, and keep going. Because even in the midst of the struggle, you’re creating something uniquely yours. And that’s pretty amazing.