It’s okay if your work isn’t perfect. It’s okay if there are typos, grammar mistakes, sentences that are too short or too long. As long as you’re proud of your writing, as long as it makes you happy, that’s all that matters. In my opinion, so many writers get caught up in the “I need to publish” train of thought that they miss what writing is really about: creation. Joy. Love. Beauty. Speaking truth.

When I first set about publishing my graduation project, I was solely focused on perfection. Paired with the doubt running through my mind (who would even read this? They’ll all laugh at me, I could never be brave enough to put my work out there… It’s too difficult to see through to the end), I wasn’t having fun. In fact, sometimes the only thing keeping me going was the fact that it would look good on college applications.

But my mindset changed. I’m not sure when, but I do know that my friends were a huge help in getting me this far. The same goes for my grad project mentor, who believed in me to the point that I started to believe in myself too. My family, my teachers at school, my team at The Young Writers Initiative… I guess what I’m trying to say is to surround yourself with others who support your dream and passion. Writing may be a solitary activity but I’ve discovered you can’t do it alone. And, when you find a supportive community, you’ll start to enjoy the process more.

Don’t let the world take your creation, joy, love, beauty, or truth away.

You’re a writer. You always will be.