The journey of a writer is not unlike that of a superhero.

It always starts with an origin story. An unsuspecting teenager unconsciously lifts up 10 tons of steel and immediately discovers they are strong. This sets off a series of events that range from wanting to hide their gifts to eventually donning a costume, a moniker and finally embracing their destiny.

Does this sound like you, Dear writer? Does it remind you of the day you penned your first story and realized what you had unlocked? Does it remind you of how everyone laughed and told you “Be serious” when you mentioned that you only wanted to tell stories for the rest of your life? Does it remind you of how you kept writing regardless till you were finally comfortable enough to share with the world?

Well Dear writer, it’s because like the superhero, your journey is one of constant self-discovery.

What the ideal world for writers looks like to me is a world where young writers are allowed to grow. A world where writers are allowed to discover themselves without judgement. A world where a young writer’s fire is not snuffed out as soon as it’s ignited simply because people are scared of how bright it’ll burn. Where writers are not competing with one another for limited resources because in this world, there’s enough sunlight for everyone to grow. Where society doesn’t try to dissuade young writers simply because it doesn’t consider writing “noble” enough.

Spiderman very famously says “With great power comes great responsibility”. So, Dear writer, to build your ideal world; embark on the journey and do not be afraid to be defiant. The obstacles are only hurdles and at the end of the day our responsibility is to create our ideal world and by being defiant to the status quo we can create our paradise.