From unicorns to phoenixes: A writing journey

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
—Arthur Ashe

A person can learn many things by looking back to where they’ve come from. The triumphs that motivated them. The failures that crushed their soul but made them come back stronger. The mistakes they made and advice they received that turned them into who and what they are today.

I believe that self-reflection plays a vital role in the life of any writer who wishes to improve.

Back in my first post, I promised to delve deeper into my own writing journey—this is me keeping that promise. When planning out exactly what I wanted to write about the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned, I realised that I have more to say on the matter than I originally thought.

Since I’m a sucker for a story with chapters, and in the interest of keeping my posts short and sweet, I have decided to release the tale of my journey in five separate parts:

PART 1: In the beginning

It began with a golden pencil. The story of my first “book” and the origins of my inspiration for writing.

PART 2: Descent into despair

As a ten-year-old writer, I was on the brink of despair. The story of my early writing woes and how I overcame them.

PART 3: The hand of the gods

Ironic inspiration for an imaginative idea. The story of writing through high school and a five-year-long fantasy project.

PART 4: Adding fuel to the fire

Between two projects is a tricky place to be. The story of feeling lost and the lightbulb moment that changed it all.

PART 5: Now and ever after

A journey that never truly ends. The evolution of my works-in-progress and my plans for the future.

If there’s anything in particular you’d like to know about me or my 15+ years of writing (yes, I started young), comment below and I’ll be sure to weave it in to the story. And if you’re curious as to my choice of title for this post…well, stay tuned and find out why!

Rebecca Alasdair