How I Started Writing – Presh Olives

I’ve decided to share my writing journey. I hope this inspires someone.

Many years ago, I sat in the classroom writing a love story. I had a little notebook. In my little notebook, I wrote my beautiful story. I had just started my junior secondary school. I sat on the chair by the window side. There, I imagined how beautiful it was to finally fall in love, get married and have beautiful kids. During lunch break in school, I’ll sit and try to write at least a page. As a kid, I was incredibly observant. I also was very quiet, but aware of my surroundings. This helped me to focus and write well.

I remember then, a classmate found this little note book of mine, read it and she became intrested in it. During lunch break she’d walk up to me and say “Precious, have you written another page”? She wanted to read the story till the end.

I was quite amazed that she found whatever I was writing interesting.
Little did she know that her act, was an encouragement for me.

I continued writing, but mostly about nature and love. I was a young girl, I had no experience about love but I knew it was a beautiful thing. How did I know this? Of course, I watched love movies!

In final class in secondary school, I won the top prize for the Nigeria’s independence day essay competition in the school. I remember being called out on the assembly ground and announced the winner. This was a huge motivation for me.
After then, I realised I’ve developed a passion for writing. I started writing articles on politics and lifestyle and pushing towards getting them published on the national newspapers. At this time I was in my third year of studies towards a Bachelor’s in Microbiology.

I also channelled my writing to poems. I’d say poem writing is quite easy, but making the my poems rhyme can be quite tricky.
Later on, I decided to start a blog, I wanted to put my writing out there, inspire someone, share my experiences and continue doing what I love. Yes, I love writing!
This was what actually drove me to start my blog in 2014. Luckily, I got my articles published on national newspapers before graduation from the University (Bachelor’s). During NYSC, I worked for a national newspaper for a while and I continued writing and blogging.

Summing Up

The blogging journey has been amazing. I’ve grown as a writer.
Writing can be challenging, but here’s the fun part- writing helps you share your experiences without stressing you out, helping you eliminate stress. In addition, you educate others by writing freely from the comfort of your home or work. Writing also increases your creativity, thereby helping you learn more from others and gaining exposure.

For those who have started writing, but not sure if they want to continue. DON’T GIVE UP. YOUR WRITING MIGHT INSPIRE SOMEONE AND CHANGE LIVES. KEEP WRITING!

Comments

19 responses to “How I Started Writing – Presh Olives”

  1. Chaymaa avatar

    This is impressive! Your story is inspiring, you seem to be a hard worker. All the best! 🙂

    1. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Thank you very much.

    2. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Thanks for reading and you’ve got great blog posts too.

  2. ayansolaibukun avatar

    Thanks for sharing your journey on the road to writing. Passion is indeed a major stimulus to become an impactful writer.

    Interesting read this. ?

    1. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Absolutely! I agree with you Ibukun.

    2. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Did you start writing at a young age too?

      1. ayansolaibukun avatar

        Smiles. I think reading is what I started doing since I was a child. I especially loved reading prose fictions. I didn’t have the flair for writing even though I knew I could write well. Constant/serious writing was a child of necessity for me. I found myself in a path where writing was essential. I have evolved though. Although it still can be challenging, it’s something I like doing now.

        1. Presholives avatar
          Presholives

          You write amazingly well. Glad I discovered your blog.

          1. ayansolaibukun avatar

            Thanks a bunch for the compliment. Means a lot. Meanwhile, it’s easy to see how fine a writer you are. It’s always a pleasure to read your posts.

  3. Eromonsele Emmanuel avatar

    Mine is a funny tale. I never really liked the idea of writing but as a kid, I drew a lot of comics and text was unavoidable.
    I kept doing this until I got to senior secondary school before i dropped making of comics.
    At uni, I didn’t write at all but I remember I used to give some of the finest reports in class. My description and recollection of events was somewhat outstanding.
    After uni, I started a blog with a friend’s advice and almost two years later I’ve tried to be consistent as possible.
    Writing is fun, it helps me exercise my mind.

    1. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Wow! Glad you followed your friends advice. He must have seen something in you. Also, glad you’ve remained consistent. Consistency is key. Weldone! ?

  4. Sophie avatar

    Writing is a gift I noticed I had in SS1 & I’ve nurtured it ever since.

    How did you get your articles published in newspapers? I’d love to know.

    1. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      On some sections in some newspapers, you’ll see emails. Especially the relationship, love or entertainment section. I remember sending lots of emails. And also on their websites, some of them provide contacts. But I kept pushing and pushing. The first one published, was about politics. Not sure how things are done now in the industry. But that was how I got my article published. That was some years back. Was so excited then.

    2. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Sophie! Glad you here. Thanks for reading ?

  5. The Strong Traveller avatar

    You are truly a hard worker and a very dedicated writer Presh. It was lovely to read your journey. Books are truly a very big inspiration for all the well known writers. I believe you will surely be a renowned person someday too.

    Best wishes from The Strong Traveller and have a great day

    Do have a look at my blog whenever you find the time. There is some travel and lifestyle content which you may find interesting. Your thoughts will surely be very valuable. ?

    1. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I’ll definitely check out your blog.

      1. The Strong Traveller avatar

        Thanks alot. Happy blogging 🙂

  6. Sophie avatar

    Your writing catalogue is so impressive. I’m glad you kept writing more posts on your blog

    1. Presholives avatar
      Presholives

      Thanks so much Sophie. Thanks for reading and commenting.

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