Forcing Creativity: A Tale of a Ghostwriter Struggling to Write in Their Own Voice
.. put it on Draft.
“Low key.. the vibes be off” (me, a millennial trying to relate to younger audiences and failing.)
Last night, in the middle of an overwhelming couple of weeks at work, I tried to pour some of my frustration by doing some creative writing in Substack post. And it was about something I was very interested in exploring too. The topic being: “Rediscovering your own voice after ghostwriting for clients full-time.” Seemed like the perfect moment, right? Weeell turners out not at all.
After staring at a blank screen for over an hour, trying to write a single paragraph, I realized something: the vibes were off. Forcing creativity doesn’t work. Instead of pushing through, I decided to hit pause and come back when I’m in a better place mentally. There’s no shame in leaving things on draft.
The Intended Outline
Here’s was my intended outline for this topic in a quick rundown:
Intro: A bit about me—4 years as a copywriter, 1 year as a content manager, writing for over 100 clients across various industries from exciting ones like travel, to straight up dry ones like concrete repairs. While it’s been creatively fulfilling, I’ve always been speaking in someone else’s voice.
Rediscovering My Voice: Why I joined Substack a month ago to return to personal blogging and reconnect with self-expression. It’s about sharpening my voice and staying true to my creative instincts before the marketing world consumes it all.
No Niche, No Problem: Embracing my variety of interests, from music to retro gaming to random weekly obsessions. I don’t stick to a niche, which keeps my writing fresh and authentic. Also, my inner debate is if I want to stick with the publication name “Not Without a Niche”. What do you think?
Final Thoughts: How I’m finding Substack allows me to stay agile, keep my creative spark alive, and escape the algorithm-driven “niche trap” that dominates other platforms.
Blah blah blah
So as you can see, the outline and intention were there, but I simply couldn't bring it all together.
Leave it on Draft
The takeaway of this write-up if anything (I hope for anyone) is that: Some days it’s just not happening, and that’s okay!
Creativity ebbs and flows. Forcing it only breeds frustration and doubt. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is walk away, reflect, and revisit when your mind feels clearer. After all, not everything was wasted—I wrote this reflection, didn’t I? So here’s to giving yourself space when you need it, and trusting that the words will come in their own time.
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Since last week’s post, I’ve been debating on changing my publication name to the more suitied “the Mood Bored” when talking about my hobbies and takes. But I still kinda like “Not Without a Niche” to drive that exact point. Would like your help in the comments to help me choose!