What I Wish I Learned Sooner When I Started Writing Online

"I need to be more of an expert before I start writing..."

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Yesterday, we wrapped up the Substack September boot camp with our paid subscribers, and it’s been a truly mind-blowing month with so many exciting conversations and insights.

But throughout the month, we also realized that most new writers really get stuck at the very first steps.

They struggle with publishing their first post. That’s why we’re thrilled to open the doors to our brand-new Online Writing Challenge this week.

When I think about my early days as an ‘online writer,’ I can definitely relate to the fear of getting started.

There were a ton of doubts and questions that kept me from hitting that publish button for the first time.

That’s why, for the next five days, I’ll share one short lesson a day that I wish I had learned sooner so that, hopefully, it will help you publish your first (or next) post.

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Lesson #1: You Don’t Need To Be An ‘Expert’ To Start Writing About A Topic

Lots of people don’t publish their first post because they don’t feel ‘expert’ enough to write about a certain topic.

But let me tell you:

• You don’t need fancy credentials to start writing about a topic

• You don’t need anyone’s permission to start writing about a topic

• You don’t need to be a world-renowned expert to start writing about a topic

You just need to start writing.

Remember, people want to learn from real people. People they can relate to. People who have flaws and make mistakes. People just like them.

So, instead of thinking you need to become an ultimate expert before you can write about the topics you’re interested in, just write about:

• Your real stories and experiences related to this topic

• The lessons and insights that you’ve learned about this topic

• The mistakes & failures you’ve made related to your topic (they often contain the most valuable lessons for people)

No need to have a fancy degree or be a world-famous expert before you start writing about a topic.

Just be yourself.

You likely have more knowledge, experience, and expertise than you give yourself credit for.

It’s time to share it with the world.

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Wanna start writing today?

If you've been thinking about writing online for a while but don't know how to get started, you’ll love our brand-new Online Writing Challenge.

Within seven days, we’ll show you exactly how to leverage the digital writing world and start publishing your work.

I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with the second lesson I wish I had learned sooner in my online writing journey.

Talk tomorrow,

Jari