My Writing Journey
My venture into writing began at a very young age. I composed my first story, scrawled on a piece of paper, before I even learned to read. Becoming an author was my greatest passion and my raison d’être, yet that nagging inner voice of self-doubt never let up. “You can’t make a living as a writer,” people would say. “Look at how many books are being published. Do you really think you have what it takes to succeed where so many have failed? Do you honestly believe your ideas are unique enough to get any attention?”
Such questions fueled my self-doubt. What if I lacked the necessary talent? What if I never produced truly groundbreaking ideas that would captivate readers? What if inspiration failed me? What if I lacked the self-awareness to realize my work was subpar?
The “what ifs” were endless, yet I persevered—writing, learning, and refining my craft. My first taste of success came at the age of twenty when a journal published one of my short stories. That initial accomplishment prompted me to pursue a degree in literature, although it didn’t silence my self-doubt. Opting for a more “practical” path, I pursued my other passion, eventually earning a Ph.D. in neuroscience.
I found joy in scientific research, despite the financial challenges many young scientists face. My first rented studio barely had room for a bed and a sink, lacking even basic amenities like a bathroom or a shower.
Despite my enthusiasm for scientific inquiry, something was missing. Each time I entered a bookstore, I had a bittersweet blend of emotions. As I browsed the shelves, I couldn’t help but wonder if my own “paper children” would ever find a place there. The idea seemed like a distant fantasy. And yet, why shouldn’t it be possible? I believed I had stories worth sharing, narratives that could resonate with others. Those stories deserved to see the light of day.
For years, I grappled with this conflict between my creative aspirations and my fear of failure. But I never stopped writing. Whether for family and friends, or just for myself when no audience was available, I wrote to make sense of the world, to connect with my deepest emotions, and to boldly explore uncharted landscapes of artistic creation—even when it was a lonely journey.
My breakthrough came when I recognized that my background in science provided me with valuable insights into the human mind, thereby enhancing my storytelling skills. This realization instilled the confidence I needed to finish my first novel and submit it to dozens of publishers. At the time, I had no industry connections, author platform, or social media following. While awaiting responses, I finished my second novel and submitted that as well.
What happened next astonished me.
After several rejections, I received an offer from a publisher interested in my second novel. Shortly thereafter, another offer came in. Ultimately, four publishers expressed interest in my work. Several months later, I held my first “paper and ink baby” in my hands. It wasn’t perfect, but it embodied my dream. And it was beautiful.
Since then, I’ve authored numerous books under various pen names, spanning both fiction and nonfiction. I’ve had the honor of joining the Society of Authors and have published books both traditionally and independently. I’ve successfully marketed novels without initial reviews or endorsements, only to earn heartfelt five-star reviews from readers later on. Those are the only endorsements any writer truly needs. Since 2006, I’ve earned a comfortable living as a full-time writer, along with thousands of others around the world.
Here are the lessons I’ve gleaned from my journey: You don’t need to be a literary genius or devise a groundbreaking concept to succeed as a writer. Your books don’t have to top bestseller lists or win prestigious awards. You don’t need to be a celebrity, a social media influencer, or a marketing expert.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve mentored many writers who now enjoy fruitful—and even lucrative—careers. Talent is just a fraction of any writer’s success. Ignore anyone who questions your writing abilities; no one starts off as a master. Writing and storytelling, like any other skills, can be honed and developed.
If there’s a secret to success, it’s this: Don’t aim to impress; aim to engage. Storytelling is the art of emotional exchange. To truly connect, you must be willing to share.