15 Writing Myths Debunked So You Can Start Writing Today
30 Apr 2025 #writingIn 2024, I went all in with my writing.
Writing worked like free therapy to recover from burnout. After months of inactivity, I decided to revive my LinkedIn account. I started writing 1 post a week, and of course nothing happened. Then I wrote 2 posts…then 3…until I settled on writing every workday.
Some of my ex-coworkers and friends have noticed some of my posts. They have genuinely asked me how to do it on their own.
Here are some of the myths about writing anywhere online I’ve heard:
1. I’m not an expert
Who’s an expert anyway? If you wait to be an expert, you will never start writing.
It takes 10,000 hours to be an expert. Do you have time for that? Write to be an expert, don’t wait to be one to start.
2. I don’t know how to write
Writing takes time to master. But to start, imagine writing for one person: a friend, your kid, a coworker, or your dog. Talk out loud and transcribe it. Or imagine you’re texting a friend and write inside a chat app.
3. I don’t want to expose myself
You don’t have to share pictures of your feet. Don’t write about subjects you wouldn’t bring up at work.
4. I’m not a native English speaker
Write in your native language.
5. I’m not good at explaining things
If you’re a coder, you are already good at explaining things. Coding is explaining things to a computer. Try to do the same in writing. Don’t try to write like a “writer,” share an algorithm. Start by writing TIL Posts
6. I don’t have anything to share
If you have learned something in the past 2 years, you have something to share. And you’re already sitting on content ideas, you just need to notice them.
7. I don’t know where to publish
Start on social media. Start writing a tweet or whatever they’re called now. Or try with LinkedIn. It might be cringy, but it has fewer trolls. On LinkedIn, the feeling is the boss is watching, so everybody behaves.
8. My boss will find out
Your boss won’t care. Your boss is busy pleasing their own bosses.
9. I need my boss’s permission
Unless you’re planning to write about company secrets, you don’t need your boss’s permission. You don’t need permission from anyone.
In fact, always write about what you do at work. That’s better than claiming you did something on your CV.
10. People will make fun of me
Nobody will make fun of you. Just hit publish.
11. Nobody will read
You can always read and like your own stuff on social media. Write for your past self, and don’t worry if anyone reads.
12. What if my writing comes up in future interviews
Congrats! It means someone found and read your stuff. And it will make you memorable. “Oh, the guy who wrote about XYZ.”
By writing, you can skip hiring lines. For example, my blog has done more for me than a portfolio.
13. I have too many ideas. I can’t decide what to post.
Post what you would have liked to read 2 years ago. See what sticks and keep writing about that.
14. I sit to write but nothing comes up
OK, that’s writer’s block. But that’s not the real problem. Again, write for your past self. Or try following writing prompts.
15. I don’t know how to create a website
You don’t need a website. Start on social media or social blogs. And if you’re a coder and want to start writing, don’t code a blogging engine.
I don’t have a New York Times best-seller and I’m not an expert either and you made it this far. That’s the power of writing online. Write as if nobody is reading and keep writing because you don’t know who you might help. Start today and see where your words take you.