It's Okay to Indulge in Your Own Writing

For those who write for the sake of the art, it’s the perfect outlet to express ourselves. It’s a liberating experience when you don’t constrain yourself to the standards and manufactured rules of writing prominent throughout internet forums. However, many of us hesitate to truly indulge in our own writing for fear of contravening with external expectations. We are frozen by the desire to write for ourselves, unsure whether our words are worthy of sharing with those with whom our taste doesn’t align. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to indulge in your own writing; in fact, it’s necessary.

Self-Indulgence Fosters Creativity

I’m opposed to the opinion that writing is a reflection of who we are. Our experiences and unique perspectives may very well influence what we write about, but creative writing is an exercise in breaking through the boundaries of our perceptions and beliefs. Self-indulgence permits writers to experiment, explore, and, most of all, grow. It permits you to unleash your creativity without constraints and without judgment. Giving ourselves the freedom to write without the arbitrary governance of others allows us to create something truly never seen before.

Write Without Inhibition

Writing requires a great deal of vulnerability, no matter the genre. While you are writing for yourself, you will eventually open your work up to publishers, agents, and readers whose expectations vary. You cannot allow the appraisal of others to dampen your creativity or enthusiasm. I have been on the receiving end of harsh criticism for my writing, but instead of reeling in my expressiveness, I took a break from writing for as long as it took me to get over the words and went back to writing the way I want to write. Eventually, you can free yourself from the burden of judgment and nothing will hold you back.

Foster Your Uniqueness

Developing a unique style of writing cannot be taught. Your unique voice will naturally arise when you indulge in your own writing. It is a combination of your personality and sensibilities that weighs heavily upon your unique approach to writing. Literary influences also play a big part as you borrow quirks from your favorite authors. Writing without abandon and stoking your creativity to the extreme takes you on a journey of self-discovery, and in time, you will pin down your distinctive vernacular. As a bonus, perhaps the most useful element of self-indulgence in today’s day and age is that it separates you from works of AI.

Self-indulgence is not just acceptable but necessary. It permits you to write with passion and purpose and embrace the unique writer that you are. Create a sanctuary for yourself, disregard the notion of selfishness, and reintroduce yourself to the joy of writing. Your words deserve to be heard, but first, they must be accepted by your own ears. To achieve that, indulge in your own writing because no one deserves to hear your story more than you.