(Plus, a surprise at the end of this post)
There’s a saying that writers are born, not made. But I’ve found that writing isn’t something that just shows up—it’s something you choose. And for me, choosing writing wasn’t just about putting words on a page. It was about finding myself, figuring out who I really was, and discovering a path that would completely change my life.
It all started when I was younger. I never thought of myself as a “writer.” In fact, I wasn’t very confident in my reading skills at all. But one night, something clicked. I picked up a book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and it was like opening a door to a whole new world. It wasn’t just about the magic of the story; it was about how that story made me feel—the confidence it gave me to put my own thoughts into words.
From that moment on, writing became my escape. It wasn’t just a hobby or an assignment—it became my way to process the world, to make sense of all the mess and chaos around me. I started writing short stories, poetry, and eventually, even novels. I could feel my voice getting stronger with every word I wrote, like I was finally saying the things I’d been too afraid to say aloud.
But writing didn’t just help me find my voice—it helped me grow as a person. It taught me about resilience and perseverance. The first draft? It’s a mess, and there’s no way around it. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stared at a blank page, convinced the story would never come together. But I’ve learned that that’s part of the process. Writing is about pushing through the doubt and the fear, and it’s that journey that’s made me more confident, both as a writer and as a person.
Along the way, writing connected me to others. Whether it was through critique partners, readers, or other writers, it gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t expect. It helped me realize I wasn’t alone in my struggles and that everyone—no matter how experienced they are—faces moments of uncertainty.
As I prepare to launch my debut novel, I look back and see how far I’ve come. What started as a simple escape has turned into a career. Writing didn’t just change my life—it gave me a purpose. It gave me the strength to keep going when things got tough and the courage to chase my dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed.
If you’re thinking about starting your own writing journey, my advice is simple: go for it. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Because writing doesn’t just tell stories—it shapes them. And in the process, it might just shape you, too.
If you’ve made it this far, then I’m guessing you’re curious about the surprise I teased earlier—something special at the end of this post. What’s a writer without their coffee, right? So, as promised, here are my top three favorite coffee orders to fuel your creativity while you craft your manuscript. Trust me, these brews might just become your new writing companions.
First up, we’ve got the brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso—light ice, of course. And if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, add that salted caramel cream cold foam. It’s like a sweet, caffeinated hug in a cup.
Next, we’ve got an iced vanilla chai latte topped with matcha sweet cream foam. It’s a little spicy, a little creamy, and totally zen—perfect for when you need to write your next masterpiece (or just daydream about it).
And last but certainly not least, the iced chai tea latte with one pump of brown sugar, one pump of vanilla, sweet cold foam cream, and a caramel drizzle. It’s like a cozy, spiced treat with a dash of decadence—just the thing for fueling your creative genius.
XO,
Zara Jade Astrid
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