My fellow writers,

I am glad that I can write this to you and know that you understand the struggle of the writing process. People think it begins with brainstorming, but in reality, it's a lot more complicated. It truly begins the moment we start to internalize everything. It can be emotions, scenery, thoughts, problems, trauma, crises, etc. If we over-internalize it, we're bound to start writing about it.

Now, this can come out in one of two ways. First, it can be very public like a blog or social media post which is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, our best work comes when we're clearly working through an issue. Unfortunately, it can also come out as a cringe-worthy subtweet that no one wants to read. Thankfully, we recognize that writing doesn't always have to be a public debacle shared with the entire world. It can also be private through journaling.

There is nothing like the art of journaling. I love that I can easily pick up a pen and write all my emotions and thoughts onto a page. I love especially when I can read it again and be thankful that I chose to write it in the privacy of my own journal where no one else has to read it. Somethings should just never be shared online.

I imagine that I'm receiving a lot of eye rolls from other writers right now and you're thinking of clever quips about how writing takes vulnerability. Don't get me wrong, I 100% agree with you. Vulnerability is one of the most important qualities in a writer, but it doesn't mean that something happens and you have to immediately share it to receive validation for those feelings without going through the writing process.

I recently read a published article that tempted to throw shade at an unknown person for an unknown reason. There was no lesson being taught. There was no clear mission or goal. It was 800 words of ranting. If you were scrolling through your newsfeed on Facebook, you'd probably see something similar from that random high school classmate of yours who always seems to have something to rant about. And the sad thing was that the author of this article was gifted, but her message was lost. Her credibility was diminished in 800 words because of her lack of ability to take a step back and gain some perspective.

Writers, I am not saying don't be inspired by the girl who betrayed you or the boy who doesn't believe in you. But you are better than these nonessential rants on Facebook or Twitter. You are better than the blog post attacking other people. Instead of losing your head, try a more private approach in the writing process. Do you understand how many problems would be solved if people took the time to breathe?

I know you want to be so quick to share the ultimate shade, but when you expect to sound like a great literary genius, you end up sounding like Danielle Bregoli in reality.

While the “Cash me ousside” teen did end up being famous, did anyone ever really take her seriously? As writers, all we can really hope for is that opportunity to be taken seriously. Let's not throw it away on a lazy attempt at being vulnerable.

Pick up a journal and go through that messy, uncomfortable writing process we all love to hate. Write everything you can about whatever it is that you want to rant about and then put the journal down and take a break. Go take a nap or eat some food. Revisit your journal when you've calmed down. If you are able to read it without cringing, then you have something to work with. It still shouldn't be your final draft, but at least you have the brainstorm.

You know this better than anyone. Writing takes more than just creativity and a pen. It takes skill and hard work, but you are talented. Let your audience see how gifted you really are!