The Risks of Unfinished Drafts

Drafts can be likened to fashion models, awaiting their moment to shine on stage. While not everyone will appreciate your work, each piece has the potential to resonate with an audience. Are there hidden gems languishing in your drafts folder?

Take a moment to reflect: “What am I discarding?” Perhaps you have multiple pieces that have succumbed to your inner critic or fear of public reception. Are you hesitant to stand out, preferring to conform to the style of established writers? Remember, your voice is valuable, and your readers deserve to experience your unique perspective.

As a reader, I yearn for originality. While I appreciate the works of renowned authors, I also seek out fresh voices who boldly share their truths. I want writing that challenges my perceptions and sparks new thoughts. The pieces that linger in my mind are those that break away from conventional templates. Trends may attract attention initially, but they often lead to a sea of similar content.

There are certainly structures to learn from successful works, such as the classic narrative arc. Yet, this framework is merely the skeleton of a story, requiring depth and richness to engage readers. An empty narrative without personal insight fails to captivate.

While technical writing and informative pieces have their place, the authors I cherish provide distinctive value that transcends mere utility. This originality fosters a connection between writer and reader.

How to Maintain Your Authentic Voice

To retain your voice, increase your publishing frequency. My personal motto on platforms like Medium has been “just start and keep publishing.” By setting a goal to write often, I find myself less prone to over-editing or abandoning my work. Writing nearly every day means I must hit the submit button, regardless of perfection. Embracing this approach allows me to preserve my voice.

Accept the Vulnerability of Authenticity

I have accepted the risk of being myself, and I encourage you to do the same. Your unique background and experiences contribute to a writing style that is distinctly yours. However, this requires courage, as it opens you to potential criticism.

There’s a risk in allowing your true voice to emerge, but the greater risk lies in blending in with the crowd. In a saturated market, it’s challenging for readers to discover and appreciate your work if it mirrors everyone else's. By embracing your imperfect uniqueness and writing consistently, you’ll leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Limit Your Dependence on Tools

Automated tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, Jasper, and ChatGPT can assist with grammar and structure, but remember that they often promote conformity. If you aspire to provide fresh perspectives, use these tools judiciously, focusing only on genuine errors. Consider, “What do I lose if I remove this adjective or unique phrasing? Is this change enhancing clarity or merely adhering to expectations?”

Write for Your Own Enjoyment

Ultimately, your satisfaction with your work is the most important measure. A helpful guideline I use is:

“If I stumbled across this article without knowing the author, would I enjoy it?”

When I write for readers who share my tastes, I know I’ve created something worthy of publication. If you can empathize with your audience and craft content that is both helpful and enjoyable, do not hesitate—hit that publish button!

Want more inspiration? Discover the transformative journey from being a consumer of social media to becoming a creator with these resources:

A front-row seat: The shift from being a consumer of social media to a creator

Two powerful myths that kept me from getting started on Medium