Dear Megan: Am I Just Shouting Into The Void?

On writing for yourself and redefining success

Feb 18, 2025

It’s that time again! Today I am answering a question that is universal. Who hasn’t sat staring at the blank page, not writing a word because they’re convince no one is going to care enough to read it?

I know I’ve been there.

So I’m excited to delve into this subject that I know will resonate with so many of you.

Dear Megan,
I’m reaching out because I feel like I’m in a bit of a rut. I’ve been writing for years now, but lately, I’ve been feeling so demotivated. Every time I sit down to write, I question if it matters. Why am I bothering? Who would care if I just stopped writing? I don’t have a huge following, and I rarely get feedback on my work. Sometimes I wonder if I’m just shouting into the void.
It’s discouraging to spend hours on something only to wonder if it will ever be seen or appreciated. I know deep down I write because it brings me some comfort, but the need for validation has started to creep in. I worry that if no one ever reads my work or connects with it, all this time I’ve spent will have been for nothing.
How do I silence these doubts and keep writing when it feels like no one cares? I could really use some perspective on this.
Sincerely,
A Demotivated Writer

Dear Demotivated Writer,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing this. The fear that that no one will care and that all of your effort might go unnoticed is so common among writers. But I want to reassure you that you’re not alone, and this feeling is something that even the most successful writers experience at one point or another.

Writing is an act of vulnerability, and it’s understandable that you would want others to appreciate the work you’ve put in. But the question I want you to ask yourself is: Why do you write in the first place?

If your primary motivation is external validation, it will be harder to find fulfilment in your craft. Writing, at its core, is a means of self-expression. Even if no one else reads your work, you’ve still created something meaningful. Let’s shift the focus back to that internal validation: the joy of writing for the sake of it.

Here’s what I recommend to help you reframe your mindset and regain confidence in yourself and your work:

Write for Yourself First. It’s easy to get caught up in how others will perceive your writing, but remember: writing is a personal experience. Write for yourself, tell the stories that matter to you, share the ideas that inspire you, and express yourself in a way that feels authentic. When you create for your own satisfaction, the act of writing becomes enjoyable and fulfilling in itself.
Focus on Small, Personal Connections. Instead of worrying about reaching a wide audience, focus on the idea that your writing might impact one person. That one reader who truly connects with what you’ve written? That’s worth more than a thousand likes or shares. Many great writers had a small, dedicated following before they became widely known. Your writing is valuable, whether or not it gets immediate recognition.
Stop Comparing. The comparison trap is something every writer falls into at some point. Remember, everyone’s journey is different, and every writer’s voice is unique. Your work is valuable in its own right, and it’s important to focus on your own progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
Love the Process. While the end goal (getting published or having readers) is important, it’s also crucial to love every part of the process. Writing is a journey, so celebrate every win, from finishing your first draft to putting in front of Beta readers. Its a long journey and if publishing us the only milestone you care about, it will feel hard to stay motivated.
Let Go of Perfectionism. Perfectionism can be paralysing. No piece of writing will ever be perfect, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth sharing. Trust that your work has value, even if it’s not “perfect” by someone else’s standards. Perfectionism often holds us back from sharing our true selves, so give yourself permission to release the need for perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection.

And remember, there are many people that write with no intention to ever publish, they have defined success differently and so you can too.

Could success be:

writing a full draft of a novel?
trying out a new genre?
mastering an element of the craft?
joining a writing community?
attending a writing course?

I have been wrinting seriously and consistently for years now and I have had to constantly redefine what success in writing means to me. Publishing is only one of measures of success, and one that is still in the future for me, but i try to remember that I am succeeding despite not having achieved it yet.

I want you to know that your writing does matter. It matters to you, it matters to those that care about you and it matters to those who eventually read it and connect with it.

Keep writing, keep expressing yourself, and trust that your words will reach the right people at the right time.

To my readers: is this something you have struggled with? Let me know in the comments ⤵️

Dear Megan: Am I Just Shouting Into The Void?

On writing for yourself and redefining success

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