Writing is an intimate act of self-expression. Whether you're penning your first novel, crafting a personal essay, or jotting down poetry, one truth remains constant: write for yourself first. If the words you put on the page bring you joy, they will likely resonate with others too. Writing should not be about external validation, trends, or fleeting approval—it should be about fulfillment, passion, and authenticity.
As we mark the 11th day of Women's History Month, it's important to acknowledge the countless women writers who have transformed literature by writing from their souls. Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Octavia Butler, Alice Walker, Audre Lorde, Zora Neale Hurston—these trailblazers wrote stories that mattered to them, and in doing so, they shaped generations of readers. Their works remind us that the best writing comes from a place of truth and personal joy.
In today’s Tony Tips Tuesday, let’s explore why writing for yourself first is crucial, how to embrace your creative instincts, and how legendary women authors have embodied this principle.
The Power of Writing for Yourself
Many writers fall into the trap of seeking external approval. It’s easy to worry about what publishers, critics, social media, or even family and friends will think. But the moment you start writing to please others first, your creativity becomes stifled. You lose your voice.
Why Should You Write for Yourself?
✅ Authenticity Shines Through – Readers can sense when a story is written from the heart versus when it’s forced or formulaic. Writing for yourself ensures honesty and originality.
✅ Passion Fuels Creativity – When you're excited about your work, it shows in the writing. That enthusiasm is contagious.
✅ You Stay Motivated – If writing brings you joy, you’ll keep doing it. If it feels like an obligation, you’ll burn out.
✅ Your Unique Voice Develops – Writing for yourself allows your style to emerge naturally, rather than being shaped by external expectations.
✅ Trends Fade, But Passion Endures – Writing to chase trends can be exhausting. Instead, write what excites you, and your work will stand the test of time.
Lessons from Women Writers Who Wrote for Themselves First
Toni Morrison – Writing What She Wanted to Read
When Toni Morrison began writing, she wasn’t thinking about marketability—she was writing the stories she wanted to read but didn’t see in the world. She centered Black lives and experiences in ways that had never been done before in mainstream publishing. She wrote for herself first, and her work became revolutionary. Beloved, The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon—these are not stories written to please the masses; they are stories written to speak deep truths.
📖 Morrison’s Advice: “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
Maya Angelou – Writing from Experience
Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was groundbreaking, not because it followed a literary trend, but because it was her truth. She wrote about her pain, her struggles, and her triumphs in a way that connected with readers across backgrounds. Her work reminds us that when we write from our deepest experiences, our words carry power and meaning.
📖 Angelou’s Advice: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Zora Neale Hurston – Ignoring the Critics
Zora Neale Hurston faced criticism from peers and publishers because her writing didn’t fit the expected mold of the time. She focused on celebrating Black culture, dialect, and folklore, which some saw as too “folksy” or “unserious.” But Hurston stayed true to her creative instincts. Today, Their Eyes Were Watching God is regarded as one of the most important novels in American literature.
📖 Hurston’s Advice: “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”
Octavia Butler – Writing Beyond Limits
Octavia Butler didn’t let the publishing industry’s expectations dictate her creativity. Instead, she created her own genre, blending science fiction, African American history, and social commentary. She wrote the kinds of stories she longed to read, and in doing so, she redefined speculative fiction.
📖 Butler’s Advice: “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually, you get better at it.”
How to Write for Yourself First
1. Find Your Joy
Think about what excites you most about writing. Is it world-building? Deep character work? Dialogue? Mystery? Lean into what you love. Don’t force yourself to write in a style or genre that doesn’t ignite your creativity.
💡 Try this: Write a short scene based purely on what excites you, with no concern about how others will perceive it.
2. Block Out the Noise
Feedback is important, but not in the first draft. Write without worrying about editors, critics, or social media. Give yourself creative freedom.
💡 Try this: Set a timer for 20 minutes and write freely—no stopping, no editing. Just let the words flow.
3. Be Honest in Your Writing
The best stories come from real emotions. Don’t shy away from writing the things that scare you or make you vulnerable.
💡 Try this: Write a letter to your younger self. What advice would you give?
4. Revisit and Revise with Fresh Eyes
Once you’ve written freely, then you can revise. Editing comes later—but in the beginning, let your creativity run wild.
💡 Try this: Print out your writing and read it out loud. Does it still feel authentic to you?
5. Accept That Not Everyone Will Like Your Work
And that’s okay. The goal is not to please everyone—it’s to tell a story that feels meaningful to you.
💡 Reminder: Every great writer has faced criticism. Write anyway.
How S.O.L.A.D.™ Embodies This Lesson
In my novel, S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, I made a conscious choice to write what I was passionate about—a story of faith, courage, and heroism. I didn’t shape it based on trends or what I thought publishers wanted. I wrote it because it was the story I needed to tell. And in doing so, it has resonated with readers who connect with its message.
💡 Ask Yourself: If you could only write one story for the rest of your life, what would it be? Start writing that story today.
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Permission to Write Freely
Writing for yourself first is the key to authentic, joyful storytelling. Don’t let self-doubt, external expectations, or trends dictate your creativity. Write what you love, write with passion, and trust that your voice matters.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let’s honor the women who wrote boldly and remind ourselves that our stories are worth telling.
📖 Want to read a bold, thrilling story? Grab a copy of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. Available at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop.
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