The Young Writer's Challenge | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Young Writer's Challenge

What wisdom can a 20 something offer to the world?

7
The Young Writer's Challenge
https://static.pexels.com/photos/7112/woman-typing-writing-windows.jpg

No matter how many times I have done it, facing the blank page is daunting. Sometimes I know what I want to write about, but many times I do not. And even when I do know what I want to write about, I still need to decide what I want to say about it. And even when I know what I want say about it, I need to figure out how I want to say it. And while contemplating these questions, I am often led to the most daunting question of all: will anyone listen to me anyway?

What am I qualified to talk about? I'm a 22 year old college student. I do not have much life experience, there is not topic that am an expert in, and there are certainly many people — both older and younger — that are more eloquent than I. What value can my writing provide to the world?

I am sure I am not the only young writer who has thought about this. In an age where anyone with an internet connection can start a blog, it can be tough to feel like your opinions can offer something special. However, I believe there are many ways fledgling writers can make their writing purposeful and impactful.

First off, not everything you write needs to be completely original. If you are writing about a hot, extensively-covered topic, chances are what you want to say has been said before. That does not necessarily mean you should not write about that topic. If you can put a new twist on it — look at it from a unconventional angle, present it in a new way, examine it in a different context, etc. — you can give a tired subject new life. If you are discussing a less understood subject, you can also try to introduce it to a new audience, explaining how it is relevant to them.

Secondly, just because you has less experience, does not mean the limited experience you have is worthless. I may not be an expert in anything, but I have learned a thing or two, and there are people who know a little bit less than I do about some of those things. I do not need to have an advanced degree to offer that knowledge.

Writing, however, does not always have to be about educating. It can also be about awakening. Sometimes, people are aware of an issue, but it is sitting in the back of their mind. They care about it, but they are too busy or too distracted to pay attention to it. A good piece of writing can jolt the issue back into their consciousness and even, maybe, get them to do something about it.

The last thing I want to say is it does not matter if there are people more eloquent than you. Very few people on this planet can say that there is no one better than them at what they do. You don't need to be the Usain Bolt of writing. If you have some skill, and you have a message that you think can be of value to your audience, just write.

You do not need have the most life experience, or the most knowledge, or be the most eloquent writer in the world to contribute to societal conversations. There are myriads of ways to do it. If you want write, find a way that suits you. That is all that should matter to a young writer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
12 Things To Do On A Snow Day

Everyone loves a snow day! Whether you decide to call out sick from work or your classes get canceled, it is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

1. Build a snowman

People brave enough to face the weather can go outside to build an adorable man made of snow. Relive those childhood glory days, but remember to bundle up!

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
NBC Universal

Everyone who is in college right now, or has ever been, knows the struggle of pulling in the strings at the last second. It seems impossible, and you have to do a LOT of things in order to assure your future for the next semester.

April Ludgate, historically, is a very annoyed person, and she doesn't hide it. Of all the times that I binged and re-binged "Parks and Rec," her attitude relates more and more to me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

583
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

576
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

392
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments