𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄, 𝑻𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑾𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

You don’t need a degree to start writing. This may come as a shock to some, especially in a society that puts a lot of emphasis on degrees and qualifications. Many believe that a degree in writing or English is necessary to embark on a writing career. But the truth is, anyone can start writing at any age, and without a degree.

I know this because I started writing at the age of 15. I had no prior experience and certainly no portfolio to showcase my work. All I had were words scribbled on a notebook, and crowned "The Essay King" but that was enough to start my journey as a writer. And here’s what has worked for me.

First and foremost, read. Read like it’s your job. Before you even put a single word on paper, read everything you can get your hands on. Blogs, books, articles, captions, study what makes YOU stop scrolling. What captivates your attention? What writing styles do you enjoy? By reading, you’ll begin to understand what makes good writing and will naturally incorporate these elements into your own work.

Next, set up a blog. Whether it’s on Blogger or WordPress, having a blog can serve as your online portfolio. It’s also a great way to get your work out there and build an audience. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect, just start writing. Write ugly first. Yes, you read that right. Nobody’s first draft is exceptional. Mine certainly weren’t. The key is to get your words out and then edit later. Remember, perfect is the enemy of progress.

Utilize social media. Set up a LinkedIn account and link it to your blog. Use it to network and connect with other writers and potential clients. You can also use it to apply for writing opportunities, even if they are overseas & earn dollars & pounds. Many companies are open to hiring freelance writers from different parts of the world, and this can be a great way to earn some extra income while honing your writing skills.

When it comes to writing, always remember to write how you talk. Forget trying to impress with fancy words. If you wouldn’t say it out loud to a friend, don’t write it. Your writing should feel natural and authentic, and your readers will appreciate that.

Motivation can be a struggle at times, but here’s a tip that has worked wonders for me, the 2-minute rule. If you can’t find the motivation to write, just start by writing for 2 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how quickly those 2 minutes turn into 5, 10, or even 30 minutes of dedicated writing time. Trust me, you won’t stop at 2. I now write the whole entire day. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid to steal like an artist. No, I’m not suggesting that you plagiarize someone else’s work. What I mean is, read posts that you love and try to understand what makes them good. Is it their use of storytelling? Their relatable tone? Take note of these elements and then make them your own. Your unique voice and perspective will make your writing stand out.

But here’s the real secret that nobody tells you, consistency beats talent. I didn’t start writing because I was naturally talented. I started because I was curious and had a passion for words. And that curiosity landed me an internship at the age of 17. So, if you think your story hasn’t started yet, think again. Start today, not tomorrow but today. Drop a 🖊️ in the comments if you’re a beginner writer, and let’s grow together.

In conclusion, you don’t need a degree to start writing. What you need is a passion for words, a willingness to learn and improve, and the determination to keep writing. So don’t let the lack of a degree hold you back from pursuing your dream as a writer. Start today, and who knows where your writing journey will take you.