The women’s majlis: Writing needs your full attention

Sometimes you put in the effort, the hours, and squeeze every word out while wiping the sweat off your brow. You reread the rules, and know in your heart that you have it in the bag. Until you’re sitting in a hall listening to names of winners being called, and you’re not one of them. You sit there trying to focus on the winning pieces being read aloud so that you can learn. But deep within you, your heart tells you that you failed.

It’s disappointing. Sometimes you want to give up.

You pick yourself up, wipe away the tears of frustration, and tell yourself that tomorrow there’s a fresh page in the notebook to write on. You tell yourself so many writers get rejected before they become bestsellers. You take criticism, and weigh it up as you write something new.

Rejection is a necessary evil. If you truly believe that your work is beyond criticism, there’s no way to move forward in your craft.

Being part of the writing community Untitled Chapters has taught me that every writer has a strength. There’s someone to read your work and tell you to slow down when a scene is emotional; someone to tell you that your piece just isn’t working; or that you should only take one line out of the whole thing. “Your character isn’t masculine enough” or “This scene is too cheesy” or “You can write better than this” or “Where is your voice in this piece?”

With younger writers, I often tell them writing is a journey. The subjects you write about at the age of 16 will be different than when you’re in your 20s. Focus on that craft. Dig deep into what moves you to tears, and splatter it like art on paper. I can teach someone to avoid my writing mistakes, but you learn better by making your own. From watching them write, I have learnt that putting yourself out there is a constant act of bravery.

We’re always learning. Take part in open mics, and listen to your own words catching fire as you read them aloud to an audience. Maybe your voice is steady, but your legs are barely holding you up. It’s OK to be petrified, but if you let that fear stop you from trying, then it’s a waste of your potential. Take part in local and international writing competitions. Approach local newspapers to ask if you can write a column.

It’s a privilege to have a book on a shelf, especially if people love the words you write. But don’t forget that writing needs your complete attention. Talent is nothing without dedication. Because if you stop, your writing muscles will need to be strengthened again, just like leaving the gym for a month.

You’re the only one who can write the story you hold within you. Your experiences are unique. The joy and pain in your soul create words that resonate in the hearts of readers.

Write at your own pace. You will grow into the writer you’re meant to become.

Shahd Thani is an aspiring author who has written novels on her blog.

If you have a good story to tell or an interesting issue to debate, contact Melinda Healy on mhealy@thenational.ae.

weekend@thenational.ae