Salaam Reader,

Last week, I ran a free live writing session (if you joined or registered for it, thank you!) We wrote together for a fixed time to writing prompts that I shared on the call. After every few prompts, I invited writers to read what they had written.

After the session, I received an almost identical message from two separate writers. They felt like they did the freewriting part all wrong. Compared to the other writers who shared their work, they felt their writing was plain and ordinary.

I’m sharing my response to them with you because for every writer who shares a struggle, I know there are several more who are struggling quietly. Whether you joined the session or not, I hope these reminders are helpful to you.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to freewrite. Whatever comes up for you when you’re freewriting is “right.”

If your freewriting tends to be journal-like and you mostly write about things that are on your mind, or a topic that has been preoccupying you lately, that’s normal and natural.

Write it anyway. Don’t judge it.

What often happens is that once the things that are at the forefront of your consciousness are released onto the page, your mind is free to wander and other things will come up.

There’s no way to get there other than to write your way there.

As for feeling like your writing is no good, when you’re in a space where there are writers who are at different levels, it’s easy to feel like your writing is plain and ordinary compared to what you might feel are vivid details and beautiful metaphors that other writers come up with.

Firstly, remember that some writers have been writing longer than you have. What is difficult for you now, was once difficult for them too.

Secondly, remember that every writer has their own strengths and weaknesses. What is difficult for one writer might come naturally easier to another writer. Some writers find details easy to write but struggle with dialogue, and vice versa.

Thirdly, you might think your writing sounds plain, but to another writer, it will sound beautiful and perfect.

All of which to say, comparison is the thief of joy.

In fact, one of the writers who messaged me started by saying that she loved the writing session, and then went on to explain why she felt she did the freewriting part all wrong.

The point of a freewriting session is to let loose and enjoy writing, to enjoy the feeling of getting words on the page and seeing sentences and scenes come to life.

I leave room for sharing because it’s such a beautiful feeling to have your words witnessed, to see others connect with what you wrote, to hear someone say "I loved that."

InshaAllah after Ramadan, I’m considering offering a paid (around $100 CAD) 4-week live writing program where we’ll meet every week to write together. This is perfect for writers who are in the middle of projects, or writers who haven’t written anything in a while and want to get back to writing regularly. It can even help writers who are hitting a wall with their projects and want writing to feel fun and joyful again.

If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, please hit reply and let me know. If not, please let me know what kind of writing programs or workshops would you like to see me offer.

With best wishes for your writing,

Hajera Khaja Writer + Creative Writing Teacher & Coach

​​