“Why do you write?” They ask, their skepticism etched across their faces. It is a question that has followed me throughout my journey as an opinion writer. Friends, some family members, even strangers, everyone seems to harbor doubts about my chosen pastime. But I am usually not discouraged as I have developed a thick skin to such questions, and having learnt that the importance of writing transcends mere words; it is a force that shapes minds, ignites change, and connects souls.
I remember the first time someone questioned my writing aspirations. It was at a family gathering, amidst the clinking of glasses and laughter. One of my relations leaned in, his eyes narrowing, and asked, “What’s the point? Why spend hours crafting essays and op-eds? I was told you don’t sleep at night, you are reading or scribbling on papers?” As if that was not enough, he hollered, “How much are you been paid?”
His words still linger, but they also fueled my determination. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not impossible that opinion writers like yours sincerely, and aspiring opinion writers, particularly among the youth population, need to hear my story to learn from as I realized that I needed to articulate the essence of writing, the fire that burned within me.
“We write to taste life twice, “said Anaïs Nin. And indeed, writing allows me to savor life’s flavors, the bitter, the sweet, and the unexpected.
It is against the foregoing backdrop that I am used to responding to anyone who questions my purpose by telling him or her that writing is my canvas, my symphony. This is as it lets me express thoughts that dance in my mind, waiting to pirouette onto paper. When I write, I am free, like an alchemist turning emotions into ink.
In fact, words are catalysts for change. As an opinion writer, I advocate for causes close to my heart. Whether it is climate justice, gender equality, or mental health awareness, my words become torches in the darkness.
In a similar vein, writing bridges gaps. It whispers, “You’re not alone.” When I share my experiences, fears, and hopes, others find solace. Through writing, one can connect across oceans, cultures, and time zones, a global conversation sparked by ink and pixels.
Without a doubt, published stories are unarguably legacies that outlive writers. They weave the fabric of history. So, when they ask me, “Why write?” I reply, “To leave footprints on the sands of time.”
At this juncture it expedient to clarify that writing is not just about me. It is about the ripple effect. A single article can inspire a student to pursue journalism, a parent to vote, a government to reverse anti-people policy or a lonely soul to feel understood. It is the butterfly flapping its wings, setting off storms of change.
So, to those who doubt my path, I say this: Writing is not a solitary act; it is a communal heartbeat. It is the ink-stained legacy we gift to generations yet unborn. And in a world hungry for connection, our words matter more than ever.
At this juncture, it is germane to urge aspiring opinion writers to always persist through rejections, and also guide them on how to handle rejection. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as aspiring opinion writers often face a daunting challenge. This is as their work may be met with rejection, silence, or indifference. It is easy to feel discouraged when your carefully crafted words did not find a home in the pages of newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. However, rejection is an integral part of the writing journey, and it does not define your worth as a writer. Therefore in this context, it is expedient to explore why persistence matters, how to handle rejection, and why aspiring opinion writers should keep their pens moving even when the odds seem stacked against them.
In fact, opinion writing is a journey, not a destination. Every rejection notice, every unacknowledged submission, and every missed opportunity is a stepping stone toward growth. Instead of viewing rejection as failure, consider it as feedback. Each rejection teaches you something valuable. Perhaps your pitch needs refining, your topic needs more relevance, or your voice needs further development. Remember that even celebrated opinion writers faced rejection before achieving success.
Think of rejection as resilience training for opinion writers. Just as athletes build physical endurance through rigorous workouts, writers build emotional resilience by facing rejection head-on. Each “No” strengthens your resolve, thickens your skin, and prepares you for the next submission. Keep a rejection journal where you record each rejection, along with a note about what you learned. Over time, you will see patterns emerge and recognize areas for improvement.
When you receive a rejection, do not dwell on disappointment. Instead, seek constructive feedback. Reach out to editors or mentors and ask for specific reasons behind the rejection. Did your argument lack depth? Was your writing style unclear? Use this feedback to refine your work. Remember that editors are busy, and their rejection is not personal. They are looking for pieces that align with their publication’s goals and audience.
Celebrate every small victory that a published piece is inherent with, and by doing that ensure it sparks a meaningful conversation with a friend? Did it resonate with a reader when shared on social media platforms? Did you receive positive feedback from a writing group? These moments matter. Celebrate them. They are signs that your words have impact, even if they have not reached a wide audience yet.
Rejection does not mean your writing is unworthy. It means it has not found the right home yet. Revise your piece based on feedback, polish it, and re-submit. Keep track of where you have submitted your work, so you do not accidentally send the same piece to the same publication twice. Persistence pays off. Some famous opinion writers faced dozens of rejections before their breakthroughs.
Join writing communities, if there is any around where you live or work, attend workshops, and connect with fellow writers. Surround yourself with people who understand the struggle. Avoid those who mischievously find faults in your writings and always ask, “How much are you paid?”, and do not share your published stories to them because they would discourage you, despite the fact that they know nothing about opinion writing. Share your experiences to those who know about your opinion writing pastime, learn from theirs, as they usually offer encouragement.
In fact, an aspiring opinion writer should always remember that his or her voice matters. The world needs diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and thoughtful analysis. Do not let rejection silence you. Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep believing in your words. One day, your persistence will pay off, and your opinion will find its rightful place in the literary landscape.
Also, rejections are not roadblocks; they are signposts pointing you toward growth. Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep believing in your voice. Your words have the power to change minds, inspire action, and shape the world.
