The Surprising Reasons Why Writers Choose Unknown Topics
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Chapter 1: The Writer's Journey
Throughout the vast expanse of platforms like Medium, you'll encounter numerous individuals tackling subjects they aren't particularly knowledgeable about. It's not uncommon to find a novice offering advice on building a following or parents navigating their own challenges sharing parenting tips. Even those who may not produce original narratives often feel compelled to dispense writing advice. I admit to being one of these writers. But there's a solid rationale behind this phenomenon.
Writing serves as a means of exploration and confronting personal challenges.
Section 1.1: The Motivation Behind Our Writing
The impetus for many writers stems from their own deficiencies, driving them to seek improvement. We often articulate our thoughts, struggles, and shortcomings in our writing—sometimes unconsciously gravitating toward these themes. This becomes a form of problem-solving.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Journalist's Perspective
In my early career at a women's magazine, I gained insights by observing my colleagues. While we all shared a knack for writing, the true strength of my peers lay in their extensive knowledge on specialized subjects acquired through expert interviews.
I often wondered how they could propose articles on unfamiliar topics. Their success came from a genuine curiosity and a determination to uncover the truth, even if they began with no prior knowledge. They would explore various products, engage with numerous experts to gather diverse opinions, and seek out everyday individuals to narrate their experiences related to the topic at hand.
The end result was always a thoroughly researched article, a far cry from the hastily assembled online lists we often see today. This is the standard I aspire to reach. Although I sometimes lack the energy—especially when writing for free—I am committed to this goal.
Section 1.2: The Introspection of Journal Writing
In contrast to the rigorous journalistic approach, casual journal writing requires minimal effort. When writers engage in journal-style writing, it's often a means of untangling their thoughts. This doesn't indicate laziness; rather, it's a method of discovering answers through the act of writing.
Journaling serves as a dialogue with oneself. We often resort to this form of writing when grappling with persistent issues, reflecting on observations, or processing complex feelings.
Writing can be likened to unraveling a tangled ball of yarn—a journey of discovery. Many writers without clear answers often find clarity through writing, ultimately sharing their revelations once they hit 'publish'. While this method lacks the rigor of journalism and doesn't rely on expert opinions, I find the process of seeking answers and organizing thoughts both mentally engaging and rewarding.
Chapter 2: The Value of Writing in Today’s World
In an era where brief video content dominates, the act of writing remains crucial. The initial surprise of creating engaging content in merely six seconds has evolved into a standard expectation.
Thus, when I observe individuals dedicating time to writing—whether crafting extensive resources or expressing their emotions on the page—I feel a sense of joy. What truly matters is the community of writers who choose to articulate their thoughts in a world saturated with filters and vibrant images.
This video discusses how to overcome the mental block of "not knowing what to write" and encourages writers to embrace their unique voices.
In this video, viewers are provided with quick inspiration for writing when they feel stuck, helping them to generate new ideas and perspectives.